𝑮𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒕𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝑶𝒓𝒕𝒔𝒘𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝑶𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒏
The silver-colored division of the coat of arms is derived from the former place name Oberkirche and its scenic location in the Oster spring area. The name of the village has always been associated with the Osterbach since it was first mentioned in the deed of donation of August 28, 876 by Ludwig II, the German, and probably meant eastward flowing water. After an intermediate designation as Oberostern around the middle of the 14th century, the place name Katharin-Easter was in use after 1364, with modifications. Most likely, Saint Catherine (of Alexandria) has always been venerated as the patron saint of the church in Oberkirchen. Their inclusion in the place name mainly served to distinguish between Upper and Lower Churches, which originally appeared under the same name (Easter Ahe, Easter Hahe, Easter a, etc.) and in documents. The legendary martyr is said to have converted around 50 philosophers in a dispute during her trial. Their feature is represented in the coat of arms by the torture wheel marked with silver tips, which is said to have broken when used by the death row inmate's prayer. The elevations of Weiselberg (572m), Mittelberg (520m) and Hochrech (498m), which wrap around Oberkirchen from west to north, are shown in the lower part of the shield as "Dreiberg" Red, silver and gold indicate the territorial affiliation of Upper Church to the Duchy of Lorraine.Source: Text information board