Pelican: a city with passion
The love of the Damsters goes a long way. The pelican in the coat of arms of Appingedam symbolizes affection and sacrifice. With her own blood, she raises her young from the dead.
Where to find the Pelican?
On the facade of the town hall and in and around the Nicolaïkerk at Wijkstraat 32 you can depict the pelican.
1327
There is uncertainty about the origin of Appingedam. However it is clear that this place was granted city rights in 1327. The name Appingedam is probably composed of two hamlets, Appinge and Damme, from which the core of the later city originated. The name may also be derived from the river Apt and the dam built in it.
1600
The pelican looks a bit odd to us. In the 17th century, few people had ever actually seen this exotic bird.
1630
On the gate of the Town Hall you can see the city coat of arms on the façade. It depicts a pelican feeding its young with its own blood. On the facade the following Latin text is written which embodies the conscious living people of Appingedam.
"Glory to God alone."
"By concord the little things grow, by discord the greatest things perish."
"Where there is no shame, no legal protection, dignity, virtue and loyalty, a regime is unstable."