The Scutcheon of Ghent
Which inhabitant of Ghent hasn’t wondered why there is a glove on the scutcheon of Ghent and why its colours it are white and black. A certain sir Meyerus ( now we would call him De Meyer) made a note of what our forefathers gave as an answer to this question.
Our forefathers had to experience that the Wandals were very good conquerers. The Wandals didn’t only use to force their laws but also their flag upon the nations they had conquered. The most important characteristic of that standard was the glove: a silver ( or white ) - coloured glove on a sable background. That’s where the scutheon of Ghent and its colors come from.
Up till the sixteenth century there was the so-called "Wandelaerscastle" in Ghent. The inhabitants of Ghent, who didn’t know that it was property of the family Wandelaer, said it was the last memory to the Wandals. The present - day scutcheon of Gent has kept its old colours. The glove has been replaced by a lion. Sabre and silver are symbolic of unshakable loyalty, supported by power and purity. The crowned lion with a necklace carrying a cross, is the symbol of allegiance. Some people even say that it was Count Arnulf the Young who has granted the above - described scutcheon to Ghent in appreciation of its brave attitude.
But that has never been proved.