Last modified: 2022-10-14 by klaus-michael schneider
Keywords: spiekeroog | east frisia | ship(ancient) |
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Though according to Stefan Schwoon's database Isle of Spiekeroog is a no flag entity, I spotted this flag in Neuharlingersiel, which is opposite to Spiekeroog and base of the ships to Spiekeroog. The flag is green with a disc in its centre containing a sailing ship in natural colours. The whole is surrounded by a yellowish embowed inscription "Nordseeheilbad"(top) and "Spiekeroog"(bottom). I believe however that "Nordseeheilbad Spiekeroog" here is the name of a company and I also guess there are only little municipal structures, so that company and municipality are more or less the same. The sailing ship is based upon the coat of arms as described in Stadler 1970, p.74.
Source: I spotted this flag at the ferry terminal in Neuharlingersiel on 30 April 2009
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 22 Sep 2009
I guess this is the same flag as flown as jack by the ferries, side by side with the coat of arms on the bicolour on this photo.
Obviously it is rather common along the German coast, that (at least in touristic locations) the borders between "municipal" flags, "tourist" flags and "company" flags are rather blurred.
See Langeoog, that uses the flag of the shipping company.
But also in Dangast (part of Varel) the flags of the local shipping company (Tapken) and the tourist anniversary flags (200 years North Sea seaside resort DANGast) were much more prominent than the Varel municipal flags.
Source: Own observations, 2 October 2005
M. Schmöger, 16 May 2009
In 2009 I thought, this one is the flag of the local spa company. But according to Klaus Günther it is used as municipal flag of Spiekeroog.
Source: Klaus Günther: "Neugefundene Kommunalflaggen", in Der Flaggenkurier, edition 1 May 2017, pp.23-31
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 23 Aug 2017
It is a white over celestial blue horizontal bicolour. The coat of arms is in the centre of the flag.
Source: this online catalogue
Klaus-Michael Schneider,16 May 2009
Description of coat of arms:
In a celestial blue shield is a sinister facing, golden (= yellow) ancient ship with silver (=white) sails and pennants, cruising a stormy, silver (= white) sea on the base of the shield.
Meaning:
The colours blue and gold (= yellow) have been taken from the former arms of the city of Wittmund. They also allude, according to source, to the "old East Frisian Colours". The ancient ship reminds on the fact that the inhabitants of the Island of Spiekeroog earned their living by a flourishing trade with the Netherlands on own ships.
Source: Stadler 1970, p.74
The coat of arms was approved in 1968 by Regierungspräsident Aurich. The flag is in use, but I don't know, whether there is an official approval.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 29 Dec 2013
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