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Maldegem (Municipality, Province of East Flanders, Belgium)

by Filip van Laenen

Description of the flag

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Description of the flag

Maldegem (460 inhabitants) is located in the arrondissement of Eeklo.

The flag is: Or, a cross Gules, in each of the corners accompanied by three ducks Gules, placed at the borders of the flag. Proportions are 2:3.
The flag is derived from the municipal coat of arms, described as follows:

"The arms were granted on September 27, 1909. The arms are derived from the old arms of the Lords of Maldegem. The first known arms of a Lord of Maldegem date from 1307. Philips, Lord of Maldegem, used a seal with a knight holding a shield with a cross and 12 merles. In the Gelre Roll of Arms from the early 14th century the arms of the Lords of Maldegem are shown as gold, with a red cross and 12 red merles."

For some obscure reason the merles (Dutch: merlettes) have become ducks, with beaks.

The flag was adopted on 5 October 1988.

Source: Flags of the Low Countries

Jarig Bakker, 19 October 2001