A difficult question: "On the arms of which city is a bear depicted?"

Do not even try to answer right away. If you were asked about the bear's image on the coat of arms of a city, stop and think. It turns out that there are a lot of such administrative-territorial entities, and it is necessary to specify what the questioner meant. Let's get to the bottom of the matter.

A bit of history

In Russia, the bear was associated with savagery and ferocity. If he appeared on the coat of arms of the area, then this was a sign that the local people are not located in the Polesses. Puzzled by the topic of the bear's image on the coat of arms of a city, scientists found out that already in the seventeenth century they were known to three: Novgorod, Perm and Yaroslavl. This is reflected in the "Titular", which is the first list of such signs. Only the townspeople had in mind not their savagery, but something else. For them, the bear was a symbol of strength, intelligence and greatness. Yaroslavl still considered him an embodiment of loyalty, a focus of courage. Europe, too, excelled in the love of this powerful beast. Ask the local resident about the bear's image on the coat of arms of a city, and he will answer without hesitation what is on where he lives. And almost not mistaken. This animal during the existence of the Old World appeared on many, if not all, arms. But there were only a few.

Berlin

This is the most famous admirer of the bear in Europe. There is even a theory that the very name "Berlin" in translation means nothing other than "bear" (bär). Linguists argue with this, trying to build other theories. There is even a suggestion that the name of the capital of Germany has Slavic roots! One thing is obvious: the coat of arms of the city with the bear belongs to Berlin. However, it has never changed since the creation. There is an opinion that he got there for quite a different reason. It is said that the founder of the city was strong and ferocious, he was compared to a bear. Then in this way they paid him tribute. This, in principle, does not change anything. The Berliners are proud to listen to the question of which bear is depicted on the arms of which city. And with confidence answer: "On our!"

Consonant name has another city - Bern. Interestingly, his coat of arms is also decorated with a figure of a ferocious beast. Local people consider the bear their guardian angel. Here his figure can be seen everywhere (not only on the coat of arms). Sculptures or toys, pictures or stained glass - the angel of the city is always there. Therefore, the Swiss will argue with the Germans about the answers to the question of which city the bear has on the coat of arms. They consider him their amulet.

Polar bear

In areas with a severe frosty climate, strength and stamina are also valued. It is accepted to symbolize symbolically with the help of animals living in such difficult conditions for a person. This beast is a white northern bear. It can be seen on the coat of arms of Greenland - the harsh edge of eternal frost. Local residents say that only this sturdy animal can compete for dominance in this climatic zone. The coat of arms is a white bear, located on a blue background, which symbolizes the cold waters of the oceans washing Greenland.

This is far from being all information about cities and other administrative-territorial units that have chosen their bear symbol. So do not rush into the answers. They can be much more than you imagine.