TheWendish Crown (German:Wendische Krone orWendenkrone) is aheraldic symbol in form of acrown, from the region ofMecklenburg inGermany.[1] It is an example ofinvented tradition. The myth is based on three archaeological finds which in reality were neitherWendish nor crowns, but Germanicbronze andcopper circlets from around 300 BC. The first circlet was found in 1823 inLangen Trechow, the second in 1843 nearAdmannshagen, and the third in 1849 nearLübtheen. The circlets were attributed to the Wends because of the omnipresentWendish/Slavic past ofMecklenburg and theHouse of Mecklenburg, a dynasty of Slavic origin.
A golden Wendish crown was a symbol used by the rulers ofMecklenburg, including theGrand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and theGrand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. It was present in theircoats of arms, medals and decorations, and additionally, was used as an ornament in the interiors of palaces and castles.[1] It is also present in the design of theCross of Frederick Francis and theHouse Order of the Wendish Crown.[1][2]
