Mercury staff (heraldry)
The rod of Mercury is a common figure in heraldry and stands as a symbol of the Roman god Mercury for trade. The winged Mercury hat is also an attribute of God.
In the coat of arms the staff is tinged in all the colors of the heraldry. If the god is personally placed in the coat of arms, then often naked, with a staff, hat and (winged) sandals and accompanied by coins ( balls ).
The rod of Mercury is shown on both sides as a winged rod, on which two snakes wind up. This symbol staff was given a wider application at the time of Napoleonic heraldry . Cities of the first order according to the Napoleonic reading had a rod of Mercury on or above the coat of arms.
Other names are Caduceus and Herald's staff. The Aesculapian staff is similar with a snake but without wings .
Crossed staff over the shield, former coat of arms of Caen
Unified community of Sülzetal : on the right a cogwheel half covered by a pointed, winged Mercury stick in gold that is placed at an angle on the right
Emmelshausen with three Merkur hats in the coat of arms, see also winged helmet # Heraldry
Combination of anchor and rod of Mercury stands for seafaring and trade ( Rhauderfehn )
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Web links
Individual evidence
- ^ Walter Leonhard : The great book of heraldic art. Development, elements, motifs, design. Bechtermünz, Augsburg 2003, ISBN 3-8289-0768-7 .
- ↑ Gert Oswald : Lexicon of Heraldry. VEB Bibliographisches Institut, Leipzig 1984.