The Coat-Of-Arms of the "Keegan" Family

The Coat-Of-Arms of the "Keegan" Family

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'Keegan' from Ireland. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'HPS Surname Data Base'.

ARMS: Gules (red) a lion rampant argent (silver) holding in his dexter paw a crescent of the last (silver) in chief a ducal coronet or (gold)

CREST: A dexter hand holding a sheaf of three arrows all proper

MOTTO: NON IMPARATUM (Never Unprepared)

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms: 

GULES (Red): The term is probably derived from the Arabic gule, a red rose; introduced by the Crusaders. Some historians feel the word is derived from the Latin gula, which in old French is found as gueule, i.e. the "red throat of an animal." Others, again, have tried to find the origin in the Hebrew word gulade, which signifies red cloth. Symbolizes a warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity. 

LION: An emblem of majesty, strength, and justice, military might and deathless courage, the Lion was indeed a foe to fear. The French heralds call the lion passant a leopard; accordingly Napoleon said to his soldiers, "Let us drive these leopards (the English) into the sea." In heraldry any Lion not rampant is often called a lion leopardé. The Lion is also an emblem of the resurrection; according to tradition, the lion's whelp is born dead, and remains so for three days, when the father breathes on it and it receives life. Another tradition is that the Lion is the only animal of the cat tribe born with its eyes open, and it is said that it sleeps with its eyes open; although not completely true the Lion does sleep watchfully and lightly. The Lion in the arms of Scotland is derived from the arms of the ancient Earls of Northumberland and Huntingdon, from whom some of the Scottish monarchs were descended. The Lions in the arms of England: They are three Lions passant guardant, i.e. walking and showing the full face. The first Lion was that of Rollo, Duke of Normandy, and the second represented the country of Maine, which was added to Normandy. These were the two Lions borne by William the Conqueror and his descendants. Henry II added a third Lion to represent the Duchy of Aquitaine, which came to him through his wife Eleanor. Commonly referred to as "the KING of the beasts," it is a symbol of kingly power and might, but as the lioness it is commonly related to the Great Mother and to protection. 

ARGENT (fr.): The tincture silver. By those who emblazon according to the planetary system it is represented by the Moon, just as the tincture of gold is represented by the Sun. Hence it is sometimes fancifully called Luna in the arms of princes, as also Pearl in those of peers. As silver soon becomes tarnished, it is generally represented in painting by white. In engraving it is known by the natural color; and in tricking by the letter a. In the doubling of mantles it may be called white, because(as the old heralds say) it is not in that case to be taken for a metal, but the skin of a little beast called a Litvite. Sometimes, too, in old rolls of arms the term blanc is used.

DEXTER: Right side of the coat looking out or the right hand, paw, leg, etc.

CRESCENT (or increscent): Said to signify one who has been enlightened and honored by the gracious aspect of his sovereign; symbol of 'hope and greater glory'.

DUKE'S CROWN: A circle of gold richly chased, and having upon its upper edge eight strawberry-leaves; only five are shown in the drawing, two of them being in profile. The cap is of crimson velvet lined with white taffeta and turned up with ermine. At the top is a gold tassel. A coronet without the cap, and showing but three leaves, is called a Ducal (or Crest) coronet, and frequently a Ducal crown. Rarely a ducal coronet is shown with cap.

Now the crest:

DEXTER: Right side of the coat looking out or the right hand, paw, leg, etc.

HAND, (fr. main): The human hand is often borne in coat armour, though only one instance has been observed in the early rolls, and that only incicental. When no other position is mentioned it is understood to be apaume, as in the arms of Ulster, which came to be the badge of a baronet of Great Britain; it is borne either on an escutcheon or canton. Other wise the hand may be borne dorsed (or, as it sis sometimes called, aversant); or it may be in fesse, or with the fingers downwards, or clenched, or holding some object; the hand is generally couped at the wrist, and is so represented if no other description is given; sometimes, howerver , the blazon runs couped below, or above the wrist; generally a dexter hand is named, and it is so understood unless a sinister is specified; hands in armour should rather be blazoned gauntlets.

SHEAF: May refer to a sheaf of arrows called a quiver or a sheaf of wheat or corn also called a garb.

PROPER: In heraldry the term proper describes a charge represented in its natural color.

MEANING OF NAME: Reduced Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Aodhagáin ‘son of Aodhagán’, a personal name that is a pet form of the ancient Irish personal name Aodh ‘fire’.

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Banburg"

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The Coat-Of-Arms of the Mayberry Family

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

The Coat-Of-Arms of the Mayberry Family

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars

and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'Mayberry' from England. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'HPS Surname Data Base'.

ARMS: Per pale 1^st gules (red) a fess between eight billets or (gold); 2^nd ermine on a bend

azure (blue) three fleur de lis or (gold)

CREST: Out of a ducal coronet or (gold) a leopards head gules (red)

MOTTO: FESTINA LENTE (Be Quick Without Impetuosity)

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms: 

PER PALE: Arms divided by lines of partition (raguly, embattled, rayonnee etc) are referred to as ‘Parted (or Parti) per’. It is said these types of partitioned shields took their origin from the parti-colored coats, which were actually worn as garments when Heraldry first arose. The symbolism lies in their tinctures, furs or patterns, and charges (if any are so blazoned) and not in the partition type or style; partitioning a shield in such a way was also a means of two or more branches of the same family being represented on one coat of arms or a reference to kinfolk such as the house of the father and the house of the mother etc. 

GULES (Red): The term is probably derived from the Arabic gule, a red rose; introduced by the Crusaders. Some historians feel the word is derived from the Latin gula, which in old French is found as gueule, i.e. the "red throat of an animal." Others, again, have tried to find the origin in the Hebrew word gulade, which signifies red cloth. Symbolizes a warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity. 

FESS: Represents a military belt or girdle of honor. The word Fesse is a French word; and signifies the loins of a man. The girdle of honor may seem to have been in ancient time given by Emperors, and Kings, and their Generals of the field unto soldiers, for reward of some special service performed by them. This Ordinary has been anciently taken for the same that we call Baltheum militare or a belt of honor. The bestowing of this military girdle was reputed very honorable because none were to receive it but men of merit. If a knight was disarmed of his Military girdle by his demerits and offence, he is there-with-all deprived of all Military privileges 

BILLET: Represents letters folded for transmission; denotes a man who obtained credence, knowledge and faith in his words and deeds and was secret in his affairs.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

ERMINE: The fur most frequently used in heraldry. It derives its name from the Ermine or 'mus Armenicus' (so called from being found in the woods of Armenia), a small white animal whose fur it is. The black spots are supposed to represent the tails of ermines, sewed to the white fur for its enrichment; a symbol of dignity.

BEND: Representative of a scarf or shield suspender of a knight or commander; signifies defense or protection.

AZURE: Bright blue, the color of an eastern sky, derived from the Arabic 'lazura'; denotes truth and loyalty.

FLEUR DE LIS: Heraldically this is a flower, and stands at the head of the flowers of heraldry. Its origin is unknown, one "authority" claiming that it was brought down from heaven by an angel for the arms of France. It is also said to mean the flower of Louis (Fleur de Louis), and was certainly used by Louis VII. It is undoubtedly the "flower of the Lilly." Originally the royal banner of France was semee-of-lis (completely covered with fleurs-de-lis); but from the time of Charles VI it has consisted of three golden fleurs-de-lis on a blue field. The fleurs-de-lis did not at first meet with much favor in England, and did not become popular, in fact, until its assumption by Edward III. George VI, on his accession, abolished French quartering, in the English royal arms. When used as a difference the fleur-de-lis represents the sixth son.

MEANING OF NAME: Of uncertain origin; most probably an altered form of Mowbray. It is also found as Maybury, which has the form of an English habitational name. There is a place near Woking in Surrey so called; however, this is not recorded until 1885 and is probably derived from the surname. In England this surname is found mainly in the West Midlands; it has also spread into Wales. In Ireland this form is common in Ulster; MacLysaght records that it was taken there from England in the 17th century

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Keegan'.

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The Coat-Of-Arms of the Corley Family

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

The Coat-Of-Arms of the Corley Family

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'Corley' from England. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'HPS Surname Data Base'.

ARMS: Or (gold) on a mount in base an oak tree vert (green) overall on a fess gules (red) three regal crowns of the field (gold)

CREST: A sword argent (silver) hilt and pommel or (gold) and a scepter of the last in saltire enfiled with a civic crown vert (green)

MOTTO: SUBDITUS FIDELIS REGIS ET SALUS REGNI (A Faithful Subject Of The King Is A Preserver Of The Monarchy)

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms: 

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

MOUNT (rising or hillock): On which crests are often under set, and usually for artistic purposes. Although occasionally, they were used to represent burial mounds and symbolized either remembrance, or protection by the device or charge resting on the mound. Sometimes referred to as a Compartment. 

OAK TREE: An oak was often the guardian tree of a family. It is the emblem of virtue and strength and resiliency. Long associated with thunder gods such as Thor in Norse mythology; denotes steadfastness, endurance. Known as the holy oak by ancient Christians, denoting worship. 

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

FESS: Represents a military belt or girdle of honor. The word Fesse is a French word; and signifies the loins of a man. The girdle of honor may seem to have been in ancient time given by Emperors, and Kings, and their Generals of the field unto soldiers, for reward of some special service performed by them. This Ordinary has been anciently taken for the same that we call Baltheum militare or a belt of honor. The bestowing of this military girdle was reputed very honorable because none were to receive it but men of merit. If a knight was disarmed of his Military girdle by his demerits and offence, he is there-with-all deprived of all Military privileges. 

GULES (Red), (fr. gueules): The term is probably derived from the Arabic gule, a red rose; introduced by the Crusaders. Some historians feel the word is derived.

CROWNS: Are symbols of monarchy, state and power and denotes dignity and accomplishment. The etymology is as follows Middle English coroune, crowne, from Old French corone, from Latin corona wreath, crown, from Greek korOnE culmination, something curved like a crow's beak, literally, crow; akin to Latin cornix crow, Greek korax raven. The use of the crown as a symbol of monarchy is of ancient tradition in Egypt and the Middle East. In ancient Greece and Rome, however, crowns sometimes made of leaves, were simply wreaths, awarded to victors in athletic tournaments or bestowed on citizens in recognition of an extraordinary deed. In medieval and modern times, the crown is generally made of metal, often gold or silver and inlaid with precious gems. 

Next we will discuss the crest:

CREST: A sword argent (silver) hilt and pommel or (gold) and a sceptre of the last in saltire enfiled with a civic crown vert (green)

SWORD: The sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage. It is a symbol of knighthood and chivalry. European Knights during the period of Crusades, used swords that were less bulky and blades tapering for thrusting as well as hacking. Swords of the Teutonic Knights featured downward quillons that first appeared around the 11th century. To them, swords were the symbols of truth and honor and were bestowed on one of stature. In heraldry, differentiation of the type of sword is rare, however, you will find reference to the scimitar, the seax, the saber, the claymore, the rapier, Irish sword etc. The usual form in Heraldry is a long straight blade, with a cross handle. Quillons can be pointing downwards, upwards, s shaped, with cruciform’s (cross shaped), fleur-de-lis tipped and more. Pommels can be round, square, ring-shaped (like the Irish sword) or other shapes. A sword can also be blazoned wavy, which may be symbolic of the Christian flamed sword. The changes in warfare associated with the introduction of firearms did not eliminate the sword but rather proliferated its types. The discarding of body armor made it necessary for the swordsman to be able to parry with his weapon, and the thrust-and-parry rapier came into use. The advantage of a curved blade for cutting was early appreciated in Asia, where it was long used by the Indians, Persians, and others before its introduction to Europe by the Turks. The Turkish scimitar was modified in the West to the cavalry saber. At the other extreme of Asia, the Japanese developed a long-bladed, slightly curved version with a two-handed grip, with which an elaborate dueling cult, as well as ancestor worship, became associated.

ARGENT (fr.): The tincture silver. By those who emblazon according to the planetary system it is represented by the Moon, just as the tincture of gold is represented by the Sun. Hence it is sometimes fancifully called Luna in the arms of princes, as also Pearl in those of peers. As silver soon becomes tarnished, it is generally represented in painting by white. In engraving it is known by the natural color; and in tricking by the letter a. In the doubling of mantles it may be called white, because(as the old heralds say) it is not in that case to be taken for a metal, but the skin of a little beast called a Litvite. Sometimes, too, in old rolls of arms the term blanc is used.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

SCEPTER: A staff used by the ancient Pharaohs as a symbol of kingship and is also a religious symbol of temporal power; throughout the ages borne to represent sovereignty and dominion.

SALTIRE: The term is from Middle English sautire, which is from Middle French saultoir or saulter to jump, or from Latin saltare. In the days of old the Saltire was made of the height of man and was driven full of pinnes (metal pegs), the use whereof was to scale the low walls of towns; from this interpretation the Saltire was bestowed upon one who was successful in accomplishing such a military mission. The Saltire is also known as St. Andrew’s cross as according to legend is that shape because the apostle Andrew petitioned the Roman authorities who had sentenced him to death not to crucify him on the same shape of cross as Christ, and this was granted. St. Andrew is Scotland’s patron saint and the Saltire is today its flag and national symbol; from this interpretation the Saltire is in recognition of Scotland, its patron saint, faith and resolution.

ENFILED: When a sword is drawn with the head of a beast, a coroner, or any other object so placed that the blade pierces it though, the sword is said to be enfiled with such an object; or in the case of rings, crowns, or fillets, though which a sword or crosier is passed, the term may also be used.

CIVIC CROWN: A chaplet of common oak leaves woven to form a crown. During theRoman Republic and the subsequent Principate, it was regarded as the second highestmilitary decoration to which a citizen could aspire (the Grass Crown being held in higher regard). It was reserved for Roman citizens who saved the lives of fellow citizens by slaying an enemy on a spot not further held by the enemy that same day. The citizen saved must admit it; no one else could be a witness

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

MEANING: Habitational name from Corley in Warwickshire or Coreley in Shropshire, both named with Old English corna, a metathesized form of crona, genitive plural of cron, cran‘crane’ + lēah‘ woodland clearing’.

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Mayberry'.

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The Coat-Of-Arms of the Corley Family

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'Corley' from England. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'HPS Surname Data Base'.

ARMS: Or (gold) on a mount in base an oak tree vert (green) overall on a fess gules (red) three regal crowns of the field (gold)

CREST: A sword argent (silver) hilt and pommel or (gold) and a scepter of the last in saltire enfiled with a civic crown vert (green)

MOTTO: SUBDITUS FIDELIS REGIS ET SALUS REGNI (A Faithful Subject Of The King Is A Preserver Of The Monarchy)

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms: 

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

MOUNT (rising or hillock): On which crests are often under set, and usually for artistic purposes. Although occasionally, they were used to represent burial mounds and symbolized either remembrance, or protection by the device or charge resting on the mound. Sometimes referred to as a Compartment. 

OAK TREE: An oak was often the guardian tree of a family. It is the emblem of virtue and strength and resiliency. Long associated with thunder gods such as Thor in Norse mythology; denotes steadfastness, endurance. Known as the holy oak by ancient Christians, denoting worship. 

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

FESS: Represents a military belt or girdle of honor. The word Fesse is a French word; and signifies the loins of a man. The girdle of honor may seem to have been in ancient time given by Emperors, and Kings, and their Generals of the field unto soldiers, for reward of some special service performed by them. This Ordinary has been anciently taken for the same that we call Baltheum militare or a belt of honor. The bestowing of this military girdle was reputed very honorable because none were to receive it but men of merit. If a knight was disarmed of his Military girdle by his demerits and offence, he is there-with-all deprived of all Military privileges.

GULES (Red), (fr. gueules): The term is probably derived from the Arabic gule, a red rose; introduced by the Crusaders. Some historians feel the word is derived.

CROWNS: Are symbols of monarchy, state and power and denotes dignity and accomplishment. The etymology is as follows Middle English coroune, crowne, from Old French corone, from Latin corona wreath, crown, from Greek korOnE culmination, something curved like a crow's beak, literally, crow; akin to Latin cornix crow, Greek korax raven. The use of the crown as a symbol of monarchy is of ancient tradition in Egypt and the Middle East. In ancient Greece and Rome, however, crowns sometimes made of leaves, were simply wreaths, awarded to victors in athletic tournaments or bestowed on citizens in recognition of an extraordinary deed. In medieval and modern times, the crown is generally made of metal, often gold or silver and inlaid with precious gems. 

Next we will discuss the crest:

CREST: A sword argent (silver) hilt and pommel or (gold) and a sceptre of the last in saltire enfiled with a civic crown vert (green)

SWORD: The sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage. It is a symbol of knighthood and chivalry. European Knights during the period of Crusades, used swords that were less bulky and blades tapering for thrusting as well as hacking. Swords of the Teutonic Knights featured downward quillons that first appeared around the 11th century. To them, swords were the symbols of truth and honor and were bestowed on one of stature. In heraldry, differentiation of the type of sword is rare, however, you will find reference to the scimitar, the seax, the saber, the claymore, the rapier, Irish sword etc. The usual form in Heraldry is a long straight blade, with a cross handle. Quillons can be pointing downwards, upwards, s shaped, with cruciform’s (cross shaped), fleur-de-lis tipped and more. Pommels can be round, square, ring-shaped (like the Irish sword) or other shapes. A sword can also be blazoned wavy, which may be symbolic of the Christian flamed sword. The changes in warfare associated with the introduction of firearms did not eliminate the sword but rather proliferated its types. The discarding of body armor made it necessary for the swordsman to be able to parry with his weapon, and the thrust-and-parry rapier came into use. The advantage of a curved blade for cutting was early appreciated in Asia, where it was long used by the Indians, Persians, and others before its introduction to Europe by the Turks. The Turkish scimitar was modified in the West to the cavalry saber. At the other extreme of Asia, the Japanese developed a long-bladed, slightly curved version with a two-handed grip, with which an elaborate dueling cult, as well as ancestor worship, became associated.

ARGENT (fr.): The tincture silver. By those who emblazon according to the planetary system it is represented by the Moon, just as the tincture of gold is represented by the Sun. Hence it is sometimes fancifully called Luna in the arms of princes, as also Pearl in those of peers. As silver soon becomes tarnished, it is generally represented in painting by white. In engraving it is known by the natural color; and in tricking by the letter a. In the doubling of mantles it may be called white, because(as the old heralds say) it is not in that case to be taken for a metal, but the skin of a little beast called a Litvite. Sometimes, too, in old rolls of arms the term blanc is used.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

SCEPTER: A staff used by the ancient Pharaohs as a symbol of kingship and is also a religious symbol of temporal power; throughout the ages borne to represent sovereignty and dominion.

SALTIRE: The term is from Middle English sautire, which is from Middle French saultoir or saulter to jump, or from Latin saltare. In the days of old the Saltire was made of the height of man and was driven full of pinnes (metal pegs), the use whereof was to scale the low walls of towns; from this interpretation the Saltire was bestowed upon one who was successful in accomplishing such a military mission. The Saltire is also known as St. Andrew’s cross as according to legend is that shape because the apostle Andrew petitioned the Roman authorities who had sentenced him to death not to crucify him on the same shape of cross as Christ, and this was granted. St. Andrew is Scotland’s patron saint and the Saltire is today its flag and national symbol; from this interpretation the Saltire is in recognition of Scotland, its patron saint, faith and resolution.

ENFILED: When a sword is drawn with the head of a beast, a coroner, or any other object so placed that the blade pierces it though, the sword is said to be enfiled with such an object; or in the case of rings, crowns, or fillets, though which a sword or crosier is passed, the term may also be used.

CIVIC CROWN: A chaplet of common oak leaves woven to form a crown. During the Roman Republic and the subsequent Principate, it was regarded as the second highest military decoration to which a citizen could aspire (the Grass Crown being held in higher regard). It was reserved for Roman citizens who saved the lives of fellow citizens by slaying an enemy on a spot not further held by the enemy that same day. The citizen saved must admit it; no one else could be a witness

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

MEANING: Habitational name from Corley in Warwickshire or Coreley in Shropshire, both named with Old English corna, a metathesized form of crona, genitive plural of cron, cran ‘crane’ + lēah‘ woodland clearing’.

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Mayberry'.

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The Coat-Of-Arms of the McAdams Family

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'McAdams' from Ireland. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'HPS Surname Data Base'.

ARMS: Vert (green) a cross calvary in the dexter chief a mullet and in the sinister a crescent all or (gold)

CREST: On a mount vert (green) a cock proper in the bill a cross as in the arms

MOTTO: IN HOC SIGNO VINCES (Under This Sign Thou Shalt Conquer)

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms: 

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

CROSS CALVARY (fr. Cr. de Calvaire): A long cross or Latin cross. Sometimes called a Holy cross.

MULLET: A bearing resembling a five-pointed star. It is sometimes called a spur rowel, but it was in use long before the rowel spur. When used as a difference it denotes the third son.

CRESCENT: A bearing resembling the half moon with the points turned up. When used as a mark of cadency it denotes the second son.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

Next we will discuss the crest:

CREST: On a mount vert (green) a cock proper in the bill a cross as in the arms

MOUNT (rising or hillock): On which crests are often under set, and usually for artistic purposes. Although occasionally, they were used to represent burial mounds and symbolized either remembrance, or protection by the device or charge resting on the mound. Sometimes referred to as a Compartment.

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

COCK: A symbol of vigilance, and also an emblem of St. Peter. It denotes great courage, and as the herald of the dawn, it is often used as an emblem of watchfulness. It signifies a hero in the field or an able man in the senate. It is said the Cock, crows three times before the death of a person. As the Cock was always connected in symbolism with the sun gods of Death and Resurrection, it has found its appropriate place in the four Gospels in the prophecy about Peter repudiating his Master before the Cock crowed thrice. The Cock is the most magnetic and sensitive of all birds, hence its Greek name "alectruon". In the Zoroastrian Avesta, the Cock is called Parodarsh "he who foresees" the coming dawn, and is also termed the drum of the worlds, for he crows in the dawn that dazzles away the fiends of the Avesta: thus he shares with the dawn the honor of the victory.

 PROPER: In heraldry the term proper describes a charge represented in its natural color.

CROSS AS IN THE ARMS: Described above

MEANING: Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Adaim ‘son of Adam’. In Ireland, it has also been adopted as a surname by bearers of the names McCadden (in County Armagh) and McCaw (in County Cavan), as well as by bearers of a number of unrelated names including Barry (a Norman family in County Cork).

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Corley'.

Showcase Product Of The Week:

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