Heraldry, Chivalry & Renaissance
 |
 Queen Elizabeth The reign of Queen Elizabeth I is often referred to as The Golden Age of English history. She was dedicated to her country in a way few monarchs ever are. Her brilliant rule from 1558 to 1603 saw England rise from bankruptcy and civil rupture to prosperity and strength. |
 The Flaming Heart It comes from Crests from Europe, which |
 Sailing Ship Advances in shipbuilding techniques and navigation allowed the European nations to sail and chart all the world's oceans during the Age of Discovery (ca. 1450 to 1600). |
 Fleur De Lis The Flower of Light was adopted as a heraldic emblem by the Kings of France, which signifies the blessed Trinity and enlightenment. As a personal talisman, it continues to be associated with purity and nobility of purpose. |
 Saint George The cult of Saint George goes back to the 4th century. Venerated by the Byzantine Church as a soldier saint, the English Crusaders brought his stories back (including slaying a dragon to save a fair princess). They chose St. George as the Patron Saint of England. Appeared to Richard the Lionheart. |
 Jester In Heraldic times, the Court Jester's job was to keep the King amused, in good humor, and balanced. The Wise Clown is found in all cultures and most pantheons, from England to Africa to Japan, reminding people not to take themselves too seriously. |
 Scottish Thistle The prickly purple thistle was adopted as the emblem of Scotland during Alexander III’s reign (1249 -1286). According to legend, a Norse army attacking Scotland at night removed their shoes. One barefoot raider found a thistle and shrieked in pain, warning the Scotts just in time. |
 Knight in Shining Armor The Saxon word for servant, “knecht,” gives us our English word knight. A knight was a mounted warrior in the service of his liege-lord. Loyalty, courtesy, honor, glory, courage — all this and more come to mind when we think of the knight in shining armor. |
 Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596) navigator and pirate Sir Francis Drake is one of the greatest English sea captains ever. Drake's legendary status is well earned as a hero of the fight against the Spanish Armada, captain of the first English ship to circumnavigate the globe, privateer, and terror of the Spanish Main. |
 Knot of Love The design for the Lover’s Knot or Endless Knot of Love is trendy in American history. These love knots were primarily an expression of love but were also used as marriage proposals. Left on the sweetheart’s doorstep, she kept it or returned it as her answer. |
 Tudor Rose From 1455 to 1485, the War of The Roses raged in England between the Houses of York (white rose) and Lancaster (red rose). The war was ended by Henry VII (of Lancaster), who married Elizabeth of York. As an emblem of his House (Tudor), he joined the white rose with the red. |
 Lion Rampant The symbol of a lion has been used as a heraldic device for many centuries by Scottish Kings. William I of Scotland (1165 - 1214) was known as ‘The Lion’ after introducing the lion symbol into his coat of arms. Lesser Houses throughout Europe included it to symbolize majesty. |
Native American Symbols
Bear's Paw The print is an icon designed by Lorenzo, an artist of Pueblo/Apache descent, to symbolize man's practice of walking in balance and harmony with nature. |
 Chumash Spirit Being is the vision of a Spirit Ancestor or elemental being. |
Desert Flower The Desert Flower manifests energy from the Sun, of Life Force, its vitality and fragility. Pueblo. |
 Elemental Spiral Mind, Body & Spirit hold the Center as the elements spiral around. Pueblo / San Ildefonso |
Four Directions - Apache The Four Directions are important throughout many Native American spiritual traditions. Different elements, qualities, ancestral spirits, and animal totems are assigned to each direction. This form is derived from imagery of the Apache people of the Southwest. |
 Four Directions - Mimbres Movement on the Wheel of Life revolving around the Center |
Four Winds The Four Winds is the energy path of the Elements. Center outward, returning. Pueblo |
 Humpback Whale Traditional Image. Northwest Coastal Native Americans. |
Kokopelli Among the Anasazi ruins and petroglyphs of the Southwest, the image of Kokopelli is found throughout, dancing and playing his flute like Pan. Kokopelli is a mysterious figure who has come to represent a joyful wandering magician. |
 Love Birds Eagle and Raven shared Alaska's skies, forests, and streams, bringing a balance to the world. They represent a marriage between clans and peace between tribes. Northwest Coast & Alaska Indians |
Migrations Path of the Thunder Beings travels in four directions. Cliff Dwellers |
 North Star The mythical origin of the Chumash tribe; also symbolizes the center of the Universe. |
Northwest Raven All northwest ravens and eagles were animal totems that guided and protected their tribes. The Raven is a trickster. Tlingit of the northwestern shores. Totem poles. |
 Pima Sun Life-Giver sends energy to the four directions and sustains all life. Tohono O'odham |
Pueblo Pottery The Life Cycle. Pueblo Indians |
 Quetzalcoatl Quetzalcoatl was called the “Feathered Snake” and was among the principal deities of the Aztecs. He is the creator, sky god, and wise legislator. The bringer of culture, he introduced agriculture (maize) and the calendar and patronized the arts and crafts. |
Star Spiral The Star Spiral is the magical number five in this Native American mandala, symbolizing the movement of life and good health. Pueblo Indians |
|