A Publication of Armorial Gold Heraldry Services

HERALDRY RAMBLINGS

This month you'll find seven new mantlings, a collection of bows that will allow you to colour the bow string as many blazons do specify colour.

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SPEAR TID-BIT

If a stranger kept the point of his spear or lance forward when he entered a strange land, it was a declaration of war; if he carried the spear on his shoulder with the point behind him, it was a token of friendship. Bestowed only on the valiant and well deserving soldier. It is the emblem of knightly service and signifies devotion to honour.

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DID YOU KNOW

Henry VIII was the first to assume the harp as the Irish device, and James I. to place it in the third quarter of the royal achievement of Great Britain.

The mane of horse-hair appended by the Greeks and Romans to the projection on the top of their helmets, was called crista, by the Romans.

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STAFF NOTES

Members are asked to keep the member resources page to themselves. We don't want to  password protect all member resources. If you have changed your email address, please notify the office so that your file is up to date. We appreciate your cooperation.

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THE COMPASS & SQUARE

The origins and early development of Freemasonry are a matter of some debate and conjecture. A poem known as the "Regius Manuscript" has been dated to approximately 1390 and is the oldest known Masonic text. The compass and square is one of this fraternal organization's most famous symbols. There are many interpretations of what these symbols mean, but we subscribe to the more romantic view that members "square their actions by the square of virtue", and learn to "circumscribe their desires and keep their passions within due bounds toward all mankind." The letter "G" is generally accepted to represent God (or deity). In heraldry, you will often see these symbols used separately, and in some instances as shown. An equally popular symbol for the silk-screening industry for golf shirts and the like.

DON'T FORGET TO UPGRADE YOUR COLLECTION

THE WREATH AND SOME CONFUSION

The Wreath (or torse) came about around the time of the Crusades as the Muslims used something similar to hold down a mantle of cloth that helped to protect them from the weather. The English rule of showing 6 pieces of twisted cloth was not immediately adopted by all countries (or designers). We have seen 4,5,6,7,8,9,and yes even 10 pieces. So best not to discount arms that appear not to conform to this rule, as being poorly drawn.

Seven of the most popular shield shapes will be included. They will help to distinguish your arms by giving them a special mark of difference.....

THE OAK TREE

A POPULAR SYMBOL

The ancient Romans thought oak trees attracted lightening and connected the oak tree to the sky god, Jupiter. 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. Also known as the holy oak by ancient Christians, denoting worship.

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