Hanseatic League member Hannover | Germany

Postcard

Initially established as a tiny fishing village on Leine river, at the crossing of two trade routes, Hanover was made a borough in 1241 and by the end of the 14th century was prospering as a merchant town. Hannover joined the Hanseatic League in 1386. By that  time the city had a population of about 4000.

Stamp
Both stamp and special postmark celebrate the Bremer Stadtmusikanten, a folktale written by the Brothers Grimm.

In the story a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster, all past their prime years in life and usefulness on their respective farms, were soon to be discarded or mistreated by their masters. One by one they leave their homes and set out together. They decide to go to Bremen, known for its freedom, to live without owners and become musicians there.