Helmond

Helmond (called Héllemond in the local dialect) is a municipality and a city in the Metropoolregio Eindhoven of the province of North Brabant in the southern Netherlands. Helmond has many textile companies. The Vlisco factory is located next to the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal which runs through the city. The name 'Helmond' can be traced back to a combination of Hel, which means "low-lying" (from Proto-Germanic *haljæ / contemporary Hel), and Mond, which would refer to a higher ground, secure place. The name has nothing to do with the contemporary literal translation of Hell Mouth. In 1241 a first coat of arms was created, containing a helmet as a reference to the word Helmond, since this early in history the historical meaning of the city name was already lost to its inhabitants. This helmet would symbolize the fortified medieval town. Originally a medieval pot helmet, this was later adapted to a new fashion style and is now a tournament helmet. The oak branches symbolizing freedom. The bird in the branches is a medieval decoration and has no meaning. The spoken language is Helmonds (an East Brabantian dialect)