Did you know that the name Berlin comes from the bear??
In 1954 for West Berlin, it shows a black bear on a white shield. On top of the shield is a special crown, created by the amalgamation of the mural crown of a city with the so-called people's crown (Volkskrone), used in Germany to denote a republic. Berlin's various boroughs use their own emblems.
Story of the Buddy Bears started with an artistic event in Berlin in 2001. Inspired by the idea of bringing art in the streets like others cities in the world, so it starts a street art project in Berlin.
The Bear still stands proud as the city symbol and mascot.There are living “city bears” in the middle of the city, in Köllnischen Park.
More than 100 bears were created and presented in different locations all over the city. The project was a great success that we mainly owe to the fantastic artists who gave each individual bear a unique identity. The bears were visible all over Berlin, attracting thousands of delighted looks.
Nowadays, the bears have become an integral part of Berlin’s cityscape and travel around the world on their global tour.
Each bear represents a country acknowledged by the United Nations. The United Buddy Bears travel around the world promoting tolerance and international understanding – always standing together hand in hand.
Sources : https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Berlin
https://berlindividedcity.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/the-bear-the-symbol-of-berlin/