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Old German banknotes show frequently pictures, symbols and signs, which are not understood easily.
They require detailed knowledge about German history, myths and culture. Some of these
symbols and expressions will be explained in more detail here.
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Germania
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The female figure Germania is a symbol for the German people. Similar to the French "Marianne" it has been used to show the national
identity of the German state. Germania was very popular during the time of the German empire in the late 19th early
20th century. The German empire was founded as a single state in 1871 to replace loose unions of smaller german states and
principalities. With the rediscovery of the German identity by the people (rather than Saxon's, Bavarian's or Prussian's) the government and
the people used the figure Germania to show the newly developed proud of being a single nation.
The figure Germania was first used during the times of the Roman empire to symbolise the newly conquered German
provinces. It has over the centuries always been connected to the German idea. It has never been very popular during
those years, though.
Germania, as shown during the time of the empire, usually carries a shield and lance. On the shield the
German eagle usually can
be seen. Shield and lance are symbols for the willingness to defend law and territory.
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Reichsadler
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The Eagle (in German "Adler") as a symbol for the German state is very old. Originally the eagle was the symbol of the
Roman emperor. Karl the
Great took over the eagle as his symbol, when he became emperor around 800. The eagle remaind the symbol of the emperor
of the Roman empire of German nation. During 1433 and 1806 the Reichsadler as symbol of the emperor had two heads.
The eagle during these times was also used by many towns and principalities in their arms.
The eagle is common in many cultures as a symbol for power that is given by god. Even in these days the eagle is a symbol
in the arms of many nations - amongst them the United States and Germany.
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