The Gauntlet - August 2015

A Publication of Armorial Gold Heraldry

THE THISTLE

symbol of independence,

The Order of the Thistle represents the highest honour in Scotland, and it is second only in precedence to the Order of the Garter.

It was to reward Scottish peers who supported the king's political and religious aims. The date of the foundation of the Order is not known, although legend has it that it was founded in 809 when King Achaius made an alliance with the Emperor Charlemagne.

It is possible that the Order may have been founded by James III (1488-1513), who was responsible for changes in royal symbolism in Scotland-

including the adoption of the thistle as the royal plant badge; symbol of independence, strength, protection and healing.

ANGELS

According to Dionysius the Areopagite, angels were divided into nine orders: Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones, in the first circle; Dominions, Virtues, and Powers, in the second circle, and Principalities, Archangels, and Angels, in the third circle.

THE VULTURE

most powerful and mystical in many cultures

This unique bird derives its name from the Latin vultur, and although it does not kill its own prey, it is considered a raptor and a predator.

It has a magnificent wingspan and an ability to soar effortlessly for great lengths of time.

VIOLIN

symbolizes harmony and stability

In Europe, the violin can be traced back to the 9th century, with its origin possibly in Asia. The violin emerged in its definitive form between 1520 and 1550 in northern Italy.

It symbolizes harmony and stability in life, music, contentment and joy. Believed by some to be one of the most perfect instruments ever invented and hence a symbol of perfection.

MUSKETEER

The musketeer was a precursor to the rifleman.

A musketeer (French: mousquetaire) was an early modern type of soldier equipped with a musket.

Musketeers were an important part of early modern armies, particularly in Europe. In most cases they served on foot as infantry, though sometimes they could operate on horseback: as a cavalryman or dragoon. The musketeer was a precursor to the rifleman. Muskets were replaced by rifles in most western armies.

The traditional designation of "musketeer" for an infantry private survived in the Imperial German Army until World War I.

THE ARROW

emblem of affliction;

An ancient and honourable symbol sometimes referred to as the emblem of affliction; martial readiness;

if with a cross it denotes affliction; a bow and arrow signifies a man resolved to abide the uttermost hazard of battle.

so it is said...

SAINT ANDREW THE APOSTLE

St Andrew was one of the fishermen of Bethsaida, and brother, perhaps elder brother, of St. Peter, and became a disciple of St. John Baptist. He seemed always eager to bring others into notice; when called himself by Christ on the banks of the Jordan, his first thought was to go in search of his brother, and he said, "We have found the Messiahs," and he brought him to Jesus. It was he again who, when Christ wished to feed the five thousand in the desert, pointed out the little lad with the five loaves and fishes. St. Andrew went forth upon his mission to plant the Faith in Scythia and Greece, and at the end of years of toil to win a martyr's crown. After suffering a cruel scourging at Patrae in Achaia, he was left, bound by cords, to die upon a cross. When St. Andrew first caught sight of the gibbet on which he was to die, he greeted the precious wood with joy. "O good cross!" he cried, "made beautiful by the limbs of Christ, so long desired, now so happily found! Receive me into thy arms and present me to my Master, that He Who redeemed me through thee may now accept me from thee." Two whole days the martyr remained hanging on this cross alive, preaching, with outstretched arms from this chair of truth, to all who came near, and entreating them not to hinder his passion. Reflection.-If we would do well to others, we must, like St. Andrew, keep close to the cross. St Andrew is a patron saint of fishermen, singers, unwed women

sponsible for changes in royal symbolism in Scotland-