Robertson Wolves !

[thescot]

This is why we use Or and Argent even in English !

Best,

Robert :ootd:

Yeah, it helps us thoroughly confuse the non-English speaking world.

Of course, when the rules of heraldry were first laid out, I suspect that Latin was considered the only appropriate language for such elevated pursuits. And having an agreed upon set of technical terms takes the guess work out of it.

Since English is such an amalgamation of so many languagues--inlcuding Old English, Old French, Gaelic, etc--there really is rhyme and reason to the mess of spelling and pronunciation, but it's something you're only likely to understand if you already speak the language!

Cheers.

[Scotus]

Of course, when the rules of heraldry were first laid out, I suspect that Latin was considered the only appropriate language for such elevated pursuits. And having an agreed upon set of technical terms takes the guess work out of it.

Actually, in the English speaking world, the names of the colors and metals are from the French language. The purpose of the rules and language of heraldry is so that a herald would know what a coat of arms looks like simply by reading the blazon.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Actually, in the English speaking world, the names of the colors and metals are from the French language. The purpose of the rules and language of heraldry is so that a herald would know what a coat of arms looks like simply by reading the blazon.

Quite true, but interestingly enough English Heralds have also blazoned in English, as well as in "stellar" terms (Mars=gules=red) and in "lapidary" (pearl=argent=silver). The Irish office of arms blazons in Irish as well as Heraldic French, and most continental Heralds blazon in their native language in preference to Heraldic French.

So, the Royal Arms in Scotland could be blazoned: Sol, a lion rampant within a double tressure floury countre floury Mars. Er, I don't think so.

[Rollo]

As italian is the language of music, French is language of heraldry (and dance also !)

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

As italian is the language of music, French is language of heraldry (and dance also !)

Only in France, or in those Anglophone countries which follow the heraldic practices of the British Isles. In Germany they blazon in German; in Spain they blazon in Spanish; in Italy they blazon in Italian, and in the Vatican they use Latin.

Probably the most common heraldic misconception is that the heraldic conventions of the British Isles are universal. They are not, and vary widely across Europe.

[Scotus]

English Heralds have also blazoned in English, as well as in "stellar" terms (Mars=gules=red) and in "lapidary" (pearl=argent=silver).

All methods, without a doubt, promoted by voltaries and modernist prostelytizers

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Fortunately those of us ardently devoted to Heraldic French (l'ancien voltaries?) were able to persevere over the modernist proselytizers. I think one might blazon the struggle as:
Pretension, Heraldic French surmounting all, proper

[Scotus]

Fortunately those of us ardently devoted to Heraldic French (l'ancien voltaries?) were able to persevere over the modernist proselytizers. I think one might blazon the struggle as:
Pretension, Heraldic French surmounting all, proper

Yes, indeed!

[Sketraw]

May I add a correction to this thread?

They are not Clan Donnachaidh Arms, or Arms or Donnachaidh, they are Robertson Arms. They may wish to style themselves Donnachaidh but they are Robertsons.

The arms are those of Gilbert Robertson of Struan not Gilbert Donnachaidh of Struan.

Extract from his fathers letters patent (grant of Arms)

"Langstane Robertson of Struan styled Struan Robertson Chief of the name and head of Clan Robertson otherwise entitled Clan Donnachaidh"

Note the use of the words 'otherwise entitled' which means they call themselves Clan Donnachaidh but in fact they are Clan Robertson and he is Chief of the name Robertson.

Secondly they are the Stem Arms (Chiefly Arms) of Robertson not Donnachaidh aka Duncan. For nearly 100 years this misleading misconception has gone on.

[thescot]

Point made, Sketraw.

When did duncan become a clan? That's a new one on me, but then lots of things are n ew to me.