The Blazon of Arms, also called a "Coat of Arms"
Heraldry has been defined as the art of blazoning, assigning, and marshalling a coat of arms. Its origins are found in the earliest days of the first crusades. Between 1135 and 1155 A.D., seals show the general adoption of heraldic devices in Europe. Historians once theorized that a coat of arms enabled a knight to be recognized by his followers during battle. The coat of arms became hereditary just as a knight inherited the right to lead or the duty to follow another leader in battle. It is called a 'Coat' of Arms as the insignia traditionally was stitched into the coat of the bearer for quick and easy recognizance on the battlefied or on the road.
The earliest documented example of a Coat of Arms borne on a shield is one King Henry I of England is said to have bestowed on his son-in-law, Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, in 1127 A.D.: the azure shield bore four gold lions rampant. By 1400 A.D., bearing a coat of arms had become a prerequisite to participation in a tournament, and due to the importance of social standing in such pageants, a coat of arms also became a mark of noble status. In the early days, most coats of arms were assumed by the bearers and not "granted" by any authority.
In the 14th century, the office of Lyon King of Arms was created. The earliest official record is of the appointment of a Lyon by King Robert the Bruce in 1318, but the office may be older. The position incorporates the ancient Celtic office of High Sennachie who was responsible for verifying the genealogy of the King of Scotland and for crowning the King at his coronation.
The Lord Lyon is the sole King of Arms in Scotland. He is Head of the Heraldic Executive and the Judge of the Court of the Lord Lyon which has jurisdiction over all heraldic business in Scotland. A "Heraldicum" is the College of Heraldry that submits itself to the rules of the Lord Lyon Court. Your Blazon of Arms Certificate will meet all of the Standards of the Lyon Court.
Every Coat of Arms consists of these elements: The Crest, the Shield, the Arms, and the Motto. Your Coat of Arms may have extra elements as well. The Blazon of Arms is the description of a Families Coat of Arms written in Norman French- the common Heraldic Language. A Blazon of Arms for the name 'Mackenzie, translated from the Norman French, reads like this:
ARMS.: Quarterly: 1st and 4th, azure, a stag's head, cabossed, or.
CREST.: 1st, out of a wreath, azure and or, a stag's head cabossed, between two stag's horns, or.
MOTTO.: "Daonnan Děleas" (Scottish Gaelic, meaning "Always Faithful"),
HELMET or 'HELM.': 1st and 2nd, argent, a peer's helm, the 1st facing the 2nd.
MANTELING.: Azure and or.
SUPPORTERS.: Dexter, an armed highlander in full costume of the MacKenzie modern colours tartan with a badge of the cuileann, proper, sinister, a griffin rampant, azure, gorged with a ducal coronet, or.
This language, although translated to English, is still in the 'tongue of Heraldry' and needs further interpretation. Your Blazon of Arms will be fully interpreted and printed on pure Parchment paper. It will explain, in detail, each element of your Coat of Arms, the date it was first noted or registered with the Lyon Court, and which volume and page from the Heraldic Library in which it was found. It will of course also bear a full color artistic rendering of your Coat of Arms. We recommend for those ordering the Heirloom Embroidery to keep the Blazon near the Embroidery for a time, until you remember what each element of your Coat of Arms means. If you have any questions, or wish to make an immediate order, feel free to email John Maclennon with your request.
