- Mar, 15 2009 10:03am
Petra, I like this one, too. Particularly the intriguing white eagle on red background, which for over 1000 years has been a symbol of Poland. How did it find its way to be also a symbol of something in Frankfurt. I know that there was time when Kingdom of Poland had possessions in a few lands on German soil almost as far as Frankfurt a few centuries ago... Do you think this is related?
- Mar, 15 2009 11:03am
Krys, don't know if there is any relation to the Polish history. This sign actually shows the coat of arms of the city of Frankfurt based on the medieval 'Reichsadler' (eagle of the Empire). Frankfurt was an Imperial city, the Frankfurt eagle is crowned to show this connection. Today this eagle is often seen in the emblem of Frankfurt's Premier League football club 'Eintracht'. On the pic the sign signalizes a selling point of the municipal winery.
- Mar, 15 2009 11:03am
Petra, thanks. I will look into the origins of the Frankfurt's eagle. I checked and around 1700, The United Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania was in a personal union with Saxony, which is too far to the east from Frankfurt, I guess.
- Mar, 15 2009 12:03pm
Petra, I found this about the coat of arms: The arms show the imperial eagle, as the city was granted the rank of Imperial City in 1245. It is likely that the colours initially were the imperial ones. The present colours are known since around 1400. The crown was later added, as was the blue colour of claws and tongue. The arms have basically never changed since. Looking at it and at the white&red flag could be so easily confused with Poland's. Small world, eh? :)
- Mar, 15 2009 04:03pm
Petra, I have followed this discussion with great interest and never cease to be amazed at the knowledge that can be gained from Globo.
- Mar, 15 2009 08:03pm
Tony, you are kidding. It's just nice to think things over every now and then... ;-)
- Mar, 15 2009 09:03pm
Very interesting, Krys and Petra. Thanks for taking the time to inform us. And Petra, this is a very pleasing pic to look at!
- Mar, 16 2009 12:03pm
Very interesting indeed, thanks for the guided tour!
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