Introduction
But when you’re thinking about Berlin you might imagine something different, perhaps poorer, something that has been left worse for wear. We know that the city has a symbol that’s omnipresent in its streets, buildings and landmarks, but did you know it? The iconic Berlin Bear is that symbol. In this article, we examine what role that played in Berlin’s history, and how it appears depicted in statues and sign language in the city.
The Bear in Berlin’s History
The bear has been central to Berlin’s history and identity, for centuries. The arms of the city where it continues to appear have been based upon it since the 13th century, the symbol of strength, resilience and protection. It was also associated with the Margraviate of Brandenburg (a state which eventually developed into the state of Berlin). After the reunification of Germany, the bear became an emblem of the city.
Statues Depicting the Berlin Bear
You’ll see lots of statues of bears walking around Berlin. These statues hold reminders of what this city once was and are very popular tourist attractions. The entrance to the Berlin Zoo is guarded by one of the most famous bear statues. But this statue, called ‘Bobby and Bärchen,’ is such a symbol of the city that it’s often decorated with hats and scarves by visitors.
There are also another notable bear statue at Neptunbrunnen, a fountain located in Alexanderplatz. On a Berlin coat of arms, a bear standing on its hind legs. The city’s symbol of resilience and obstinacy is The Neptunbrunnen bear: the challenging times of the World War II, the division of Berlin during the Cold War.
The Bear in Street Signs
It’s not just in statues of the Berlin Bear; the city’s street signs sport the creature, too. One such example is the very recognizable pedestrian crossing lights found all over Berlin; the Ampelmännchen. A version with a bear instead of the usual human depicted above is present in some places. As such the symbol is given a playful but charming adaptation that acts as a reminder of the cities identity.
In addition, you may see the bear on street name signs. In Berlin-Mitte there are streets called Bärenstraße (Bear Street) and Bärenplatz (Bear Square), for example, and bears are even named after in some neighborhoods. The overall presence of the Berlin bear in its landscape is in part due to these street names.
Why is the Berlin Bear Important?
The Berlin Bear does not only symbolize the city’s history, but also one of its most cherished emblems from its inhabitants. This is the city’s resilience in the face of adversity, it’s strong identity and its rich cultural heritage. The bear is a uniting symbol for any Berliner and visitor alike, representing a feeling of identification with, and pride in, the Berlin identity.
Conclusion
While the Berlin Bear is a fascinating symbol in statues and signs that can be seen all over the city. Berlin can have an impressive representation of its history, resilience and identity. It’s whether you see a bear statue or a bear ‘decorated’ street sign that reminds you of the city’s past and its dweller’s pride.
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