The State Coats of Arms
The state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has two coats of arms. Not only do they differ with respect to their appearance, but they are also used for different purposes.
The large coat of arms is used by the parliament of the Land and the superior state authorities. It shows a shield divided into four sections. In its upper right and lower left section there are bullheads on a golden background. The bullheads represent the former grand dukedoms of Mecklenburg, i. e. Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The red griffon on a silver background in the upper left section stands for Vorpommern. In the fourth section the Brandenburg eagle refers to the close historical link between Pommern and Brandenburg.
The small coat of arms of the state is used by the lower state authorities. It is divided into two sections. Seen from its bearer, which is decisive for the description of a coat of arms, the Mecklenburg bullhead is displayed in the right half over a golden background. At its side stands the red Pomeranian griffon on a silver background in the left half of the coat of arms.