DGC617807
The symbols for the two parts of Schleswig-Holstein came into being long before the Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein were united; Schleswig adopted the lions of the Danish feudal lords, while the nettle leaf (Nesselblatt) for Holstein has been handed down since the beginning of the 12th Century, although its origin and meaning is unknown; in heraldic language the blazon is: 'Per pale. Or two lions passant azure pale, armed and langued gules. Gules, a nettle leaf argent';
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