It would seem that there is such a huge number of heraldic symbols, many options for their location and colors, but there are "twins" in history. It so happened that the coat of arms of Leipzig and the coat of arms of Dresden are almost identical in composition, and in elements, and even in color.
Considering the main heraldic symbols of the two cities, you can play a game popular among children of primary school age - "Find the Differences". Although, on the other hand, both coats of arms have a very long history and symbols with deep meaning.
Color contrast
For the depiction of the main heraldic sign of Leipzig, the authors of the sketch chose chic, rich colors. The field of the shield is colored precious gold and is divided into two equal parts by a vertical black line.
In the right half of the shield there is an image of a standing lion, painted black. Small details of his figure, in particular, the tongue, claws are painted scarlet. The left half of the shield has two vertical azure stripes.
Both the stripes and the image of a predatory animal contrast with such a background, therefore they are well remembered. A small number of colors makes the coat of arms very stylish, meeting the canons of heraldic science.
An excursion into history
Leipzig is a large German settlement, it has the unspoken nickname "City of Fairs". Now it is a German city, the largest in Saxony, while the first inhabitants in these territories were the Slavs, who founded Lipsk around 900. And in 1165, the city of Leipzig received city rights from Otto II the Rich, Margrave of Meissen. Perhaps it was then that the first city seal appeared, but unfortunately, not a single image of that time has survived.
Therefore, scientists, specialists in the field of heraldry, on the basis of the extant images of the heraldic symbol of Leipzig, date it to the XIV century. True, they clarify that the shield was not divided into two parts (this happened later), the image of a lion occupied the entire field. The modern heraldic sign is a combination of colors and symbols of famous German surnames, including: Wettins - German royal and princely families; Meissen mark - medieval margrave.
The coat of arms of the representatives of the first dynasty had black and gold stripes, which were transformed into azure and gold on the heraldic symbol of Leipzig, since it is in these colors that the city's flag is painted. A black lion standing on its hind legs was borrowed from the coat of arms of the margrave.
