THE RAT

'a symbol of industry'

A fierce and voracious animal. In Hinduism the Rat is the most powerful of the demons and represents foresight and prudence and as such is the vehicle of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god (of wisdom, prosperity and successful endeavour), and is an object of veneration. It is also regarded as the symbol of industry and prosperity on account of its ability for locating, acquiring, and hoarding abundant supplies of food.

ROSEMARY

This shrub has long been said to aid in the inclination to love. When Venus, the love goddess, was sprung from the foam of the sea, rosemary (or sea dew) would thereafter have amatory

qualities.

--------------------------------------

INESCUTCHEON:

A coat of arms borne as a shield (escutcheon) of Pretence; superimposed upon a shield of arms in testimony of the claim of a prince to the sovereignty of the country so represented, or if by a private person, then as a sign that he had married the heiress of the family indicated.

SPANIEL

'outstanding hunters'

-----------------------------

A Spanish dog, from the Old French Espagneul. The Spaniel is thought to have originated in Spain and was perhaps introduced to ancient Britons by the Roman legions.

They were outstanding hunters that were both submissive and servile to their masters but fierce adversaries if challenged; a symbol of the hunt signifying loyalty, integrity and trustworthiness.

A full collection (11 pieces) is included for June. Surnames used for "punning arms" include Spano, Span and Spanagel.

KATE MIDDLETON

The coat of arms features three acorns representing the Middleton children, chosen because the oak tree traditionally symbolises England and strength, and a gold chevron to represent Kate's mother whose maiden name was Goldsmith. The colours red and blue are used because of their prominence on the Union Jack flag and the coat of arms is in the shape of a lozenge, suspended from a ribbon to signify Kate is an unmarried daughter. Mr and Mrs Middleton and their children took enormous interest in this design and, while its purpose is to provide a traditional heraldic identity for Catherine, as she marries into the Royal Family, the intent was to represent the whole Middleton family together, said Thomas Woodcock, Garter King of Arms and Senior Herald in England who approved the design. Those AG members can get the design in vector format by contacting the office.

Free software for Windows and Mac. Tips: Use "open" to open a wmf file. To ungroup the image, click once on it and choose "modify" (top command bar), then select "break". To group an image you select the image with your mouse, then choose "modify" then "Group. To download software click on the Logo.

Know of other Free graphic software programs? Please let us know so that we can post it for other members to take advantage of.

The World's Leader in Heraldry Art