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The flag of Lower Saxony consists of the German national tricolor — three horizontal stripes of black, red, and gold — defaced in the center with the state coat of arms (the white Saxon Steed on a red shield ensigned with the people's crown). Lower Saxony is one of the only German states to use the federal colors with its own arms, reflecting its strong identification with the post-war Federal Republic. The flag was officialized by state law on 13 October 1952.
The coat of arms of Lower Saxony features the 'Saxon Steed' (Sachsenross) — a galloping white horse on a red field. According to legend, the horse symbol dates back to Widukind, the Saxon leader who fought against Charlemagne in the 8th century, though it was likely first adopted by the Welf dynasty of the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg in the 14th century. The shield is ensigned with the people's crown. The arms unify the historical territories that became Lower Saxony in 1946: Hanover, Brunswick, Oldenburg, and Schaumburg-Lippe. The arms were officialized by state law on 13 October 1952.