Coat of Arms

In typical Canadian fashion I went somewhat overboard with Canadian themes on my achievement – I had included a beaver, maple leaves and a fleur-de-lis although the beaver represents Canadian Pacific Railway and not specifically Canada. It won’t be my problem as the children and their children will be the ones to live with my decisions. Haha.

Please visit the Canadian Heraldic Authority’s Public Register to view the details on my coat of arms.

Symbolism

Arms

The vair is borrowed from the arms of the city of Belfast, Northern Ireland, which is the birthplace of Mr. Emerson’s father, and alludes to his Irish heritage. The blue and white colours also refer to the colours of the flag of Scotland, the birthplace of his mother. The tulips are chosen to remember his honeymoon in the Netherlands and the family garden ever since. The fleur-de-lis and maple leaves allude to French and Canadian heritage.

Crest

The beaver is a symbol of Canada, and more particularly represents the Canadian Pacific Railway that has employed both him and his father. The red cross is borrowed from the flag of the province of Ulster and alludes to his Irish heritage. The provincial flowers of Ontario and Quebec represent the birthplaces of his three children.

Motto

This motto emphasizes the importance of remembering Irish, Scottish, and Canadian heritage for Mr. Emerson, and the French heritage of his wife.