Zellers Coat-Of-Arms

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.

Short History of Heraldry

Heraldry in its present form, commenced to be displayed in the early part of the twelfth century, but many of its figures and symbols were derived from remote ages. Some of these appear to have come from Mythological beliefs from as far back as the Egyptians, with many from ancient Rome, Greece, the Druids and Celts and many more historic cultures, too numerous to mention. Many symbols from the crusades and from the military and civil life of that period. After these came certain merchants’ marks, and figures emblematic of the arts, agriculture, and the chase (the hunt). Some figures and devices were introduced with the sole intent of shadowing forth the bearer’s surname; these are called ‘canting arms’, i.e.: a fish for FISHER, an arrow for ARCHER or a Crane for CRANE etc. Tournaments brought into regular heraldry many devices that had been gloriously borne in those brilliant pageants, and successful wars contributed numerous decorations to the personal insignia of the victors. A later and more learned age derived fresh symbols from classic stories. Coats-Of-Arms were in general use long before surnames became fixed; and it may be remarked that surnames are themselves often symbols, while the earliest form of writing was nothing but a methodized symbolism.

Before I showcase the first Coat-Of-Arms I would like to say a few things. I know I will hear from purists about the right to bear arms. I will say this about that: I will never say that the coat I present belongs to any individual but I will say that somebody in the past with that surname had the right to bear those arms. And if for someone with that same surname in the present chooses to display that coat-of-arms as a work of art, or a link to what could be their ancestry, or as a conversation piece then I say enjoy.

This week's showcased Coat-Of-Arms will be for the surname 'Zellers' which just happens to be my last name. Information for this coat-of-arms came from 'HPS Surnames'.

ARMS: Azure on a chevron argent between three open cups each within two branches of laurel conjoined at the top or a saltier of the first

CREST: A demi swan with wings elevated proper

MOTTO: CONTIDO (I Trust)

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

CHEVRON: The term is from 14th century Middle English, from Middle French, rafter, and chevron. It generally denotes Protection and was granted as a reward to one who has achieved some notable enterprise. Said to represent the roof tree of a house or the zigzag molding, or group of moldings, common in Norman architecture. It has sometimes been given to those who have built churches or fortresses or who have accomplished some work of faithful service. Worn by gallant soldiers.

ARGENT (Silver or White): Sometimes fancifully called Luna in the arms of princes, as also Pearl in those of peers: peace and sincerity.

CUP (old Fr. Coupe): The cup was rather a favorite device from the fourteenth century onwards, as shown by several references to it in the Rolls of Edward II. and Edward III. The plain chalice-like cup without a cover was perhaps first emblazoned, but it is sometimes represented in modern heraldry ornamented. But many families, especially those of BUTLER and CLEAVER, bear covered cups (fr. coupes couvertes), which are frequently represented on their tombs.

LAUREL: Branches of this plant have been granted for military services, and sprigs of laurel are also found named. The wreaths of laurel, or bay have already been noted as ‘crowns of ‘triumphal’ under chaplet. But the leaves only occur most frequently, and these often blazoned as bay leaves.

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.

Next we will do the crest:

DEMI OR DEMY: French for half. When applied to an animal, its upper or fore half is always intended; when any thing inanimate, generally the dexter (right side) half per pale.

SWAN: The male Swan is called a cob, the female a pen, a young Swan a cygnet. Like the peacock and pheasant, the Swan was an emblem of chivalry; every knight chose one of these birds, which was associated in his oath with God, the Virgin, or his ladylove. In Greek mythology, Zeus took the form of a Swan to seduce Leda. The Swan has erotic associations as an emblem of Aphrodite/Venus. Swans drew the Chariot of Venus. The most famous belief about the Swan is that it only sings when it is about to die. The legendary Swan's song has caused this bird to represent music and poetry, especially that which is divinely inspired, passionate or tragic. The beauty and roundness of the Swan's body caused Nordic people to allude to it as the height of female grace and beauty. A Swan with a fish in its mouth represents the Devil snatching up and consuming the unwary Christian, and two Swans with their necks entwined stand for two lovers or friends united in a companionship.

ELEVATED: When applied to wings signifies that the points are upward.

The family motto:

       CONFIDO (I Trust) - Not all coats-of-arms have family mottoes.

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Imagine your Coat-Of-Arms on this or many other fine products. Just click on image above. Put your surname in the search bar and see all the items available with your surname on it. Since there are over 100,000 Coats-Of-Arms there is a possibility that your surname would not come up on the search bar. If so just leave me a note in the comments section of this blog and I will assemble the Coat-Of-Arms, if there is one available for your surname, you requested and post it to my store. This can take up to 3 days.