We had been
talking about building a coat of arms to represent us for a while now. So I
finally sat down and did some research on heraldry and coat of arms symbolism. It was an interesting endeavor though not
entirely gratifying. Turns out that heraldry is not entirely standardized—despite
the consistency that does exist! So for the most part, it’s anything goes! I am
writing this up to explain the details of our crest—such a write up is called
a “blazon of arms.” With that said, let us begin at the top:
According to www.fleurdelis.com,
“a ‘coat of arms’ consists of several parts: the shield, the mantling, the
helm, the wreath, charges, and the crest (note that not all arms have crests).”
Our crest is the Annulet, the three interlocking rings above the helm. This
signifies fidelity; commitment. Above all things, we must have a commitment to
each other in order for this coat to exist! The three rings themselves
represent three supports: physical, spiritual, & financial.
The Helm represented here is merely a placeholder for the helms
that will be placed here later. The two I have in mind are from my creation: The Montarsis Knights and the Black Montarsis Knights. These symbolize the potential to
bring out the best and worst in each of us. The Montarsis Knight helm will sit
in front of the Black Montarsis Knight helm in a symbolic gesture that we
strive to always keep the darker aspects of ourselves in check.
Though the mantling around the helm and shield should reflect
the colors of the design itself, I chose to use our favorite colors: Blue &
Purple (Azure & Purpure as they
are called in the classic heraldry terminology.) It just so happens that Blue is the symbol for
truth and purple is the symbol for royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice.
Though we can be a bit full of ourselves, I would like to think the purple does
reflect our desire for justice in all affairs. Though I am more than certain
Isaac would prefer the majestic definition apply to him.
The shield is quartered with a chevron placed atop. The colors
of the shield, Red (Gules) and
White/Silver (Argent) represent
military strength and peace/sincerity. By military strength I allude to our
gaming ability as formidable foes on the playing field. Despite, Isaac’s
ravings, we do desire peace in our house. The green (vert) chevron represent hope, joy, and loyalty in love. Since we constantly strive to make each other laugh and seek each other's best interest, this color is befitting our love for each other.
The top of the shield (chief) bears a black crow. This symbolizes our love for our friends and support of them in
their endeavors. (This surprised me at first—the symbol, that is, not the fact
that we love our friends. But after thinking about it for a bit, it kind of makes
sense in that crows do tend to flock together.)
The left side of the shield (dexter)
is the small bear. Bears, as a heraldic symbol, represent strength, cunning,
and ferocity in the protection of one’s kindred. As a symbol in the gay
lifestyle, a young bear (or younger bear in a relationship) is called a cub.
Isaac embodies all these elements. This is his symbol. My symbol can be found
on the right side of the shield (sinister)
as I am the bear of our relationship and also seek to extoll the virtues of the
bear. I think everyone agrees I tend to
overprotect at times.
The morning star, found at the bottom of the shield (base), represents armor and strength of
crushing force. We use this symbol to further represent our commitment to our
resolve. Once we have made up our minds regarding a plan of action, we can be
hard pressed to change our direction. We consider this a virtue.
Last but certainly not least, our motto: Est Adversus Vos Mundi.
This has been our motto from the very beginning of our
relationship though we didn’t know it at the time. We certainly do not say it
in Latin, but it is still very relevant. The figurative translation being: “It is
you and me against the world.”
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