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.
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
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.
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'.
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.
Showcase Product Of The Week
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.
