The Coat of Arms of Lord / Laird Peter Swank and His Family
The Creed and Symbol of Honor, Integrity, and Victory over Obstacles
The Helmet and Crown:
The helmet of a Coat of Arms varies with the bearer's rank, the century represented, and/or the herald's or artist's preference. Most Coats of Arms show the helmet facing the viewer's left. Helmets facing straight forward usually denote immediate royal status. The helmet on the Swank Coat of Arms is an "ennobled" helmet to serve a reminder that nobility is not a birthright... It is defined by one's actions and approach to life. One must become a noble per one's inner strength and integrity of character and how they are implemented throughout one's life. It also contains burgundy accents representing life patience with ennobling rewards.
The crown of a knight has been placed atop the helmet in this Coat of Arms as its "wreath" representing the continuing endorsement of the honor and creeds set forth in becoming a knight. The crown and helmet are complimented by a blue vol, or set of wings, representing swiftness and protection with truth and loyalty, be it towards other beings or concepts and approaches there-to.
The Mantling:
The mantling of a Coat of Arms varies with the herald's or artist's preference. It represents the cloth that hangs from the wreath and protects the back of the head and neck, even though it often is depicted more like the leaves of a plant. A "distinctive" mantling was chosen in this Coat of Arms to represent beauty and the elegance of simplicity. Its burgundy accents again represent life patience with ennobling rewards.
The Motto and Banner:
The motto of a Coat of Arms is a phrase or a short list of words, formally describing the general motivation or intention of an individual or individual's family creed. The chosen motto of this Coat of Arms, "Dum spiro spero per ardua ad astra," is translated from Latin as "While I breathe I hope, through difficulties to the stars." This motto is further interpolated as a creed of greatness being only achieved by continuingly surmounting obstacles.
"Dum spiro spero" is the motto of the Scottish order that raised Mr. Peter Swank to his Lairdship. "Per ardua ad astra" is the motto of the Royal Air Force dating back to 1912 in the United Kingdom. One of the RAF officers had read this phrase in the first chapter of Sir Henry Rider Haggard's book, "People of the Mist." Sir Henry allegedly derived this phrase from the Mulway family motto of Ireland. It has also been present in many media applications, such as in film, books, etc., the like of which has influenced Mr. Swank throughout his life.
A "distinctive" banner was chosen in this Coat of Arms to accompany the mantling with a "Libra" font type serving as a reminder of writing styles in historic France, a country of great importance in the history of humankind surmounting obstacles and earning their rights to simply... be themselves.
The Shield:
Historically, the shield's shape was usually determined by the time period and geographic region. Not a part of the official blazon though, the shape is modernly the heraldry artist's choice to suit the design. An "elegant badge" was chosen in this Coat of Arms to represent dedication to the knowledge of and obedience to law and the enforcement there-of, including regulations of appropriate governing authorities and those of well-regulated private institutions.
The division of this shield is set in the "per saltire" style, with the "chevron/blade" shapes. The "blade" (the shape of the bottom quarter) classically represents masculinity, protection, and builders or others who have accomplished some work of faithful service, best represented in creeds of the Freemasons and Menschkeit. The "chalice" (the shape of the top quarter) represents reverence to femininity and the inherent nurturing traits maturing an individual into an appropriate balance of emotions, maturity, and knowledge. The division lines are in the "Raguly" style, representing difficulties that have been encountered.
The "dexter" (left) and "sinister" (right) quarters contain a white background (a stage of peace and sincerity) with burgundy Ermine Spots (marks of dignity). The Ermine Spot is repeated in a reduced size to give the visual impression of a classic fur, heightening the representation of dignity. It is also burgundy to represent the dignity in patience and victory through peace and sincerity.
The "base" (bottom) quarter contains the symbol of Freemasonry in blue (representing truth in and loyalty to the Masonic creeds and Order) over a black background (representing constancy and permanency of concept).
The "chief" (top) quarter contains a burgundy Germanic rune over a black background (again representing constancy or permanency of concept). The Germanic rune, "Sugil," is a symbol of inner strength and integrity representing the Menschkeit characteristics demonstrated in personal character and act. Its burgundy color represents patience in obstacles yet inevitable victory.
The Colors:
- Silver and White ("argent"): Peace and Sincerity
- Blue ("azure"): Truth and Loyalty
- Black ("sable"): Constancy and Permanency
- Burgundy ("sanguine"): Confidence and Patience in Battle or Obstacle, yet Victorious Overall
- Blue ("azure"): Truth and Loyalty
Specific colors were chosen in this Coat of Arms to represent particular concepts, feelings, and approaches:
Future Generations:
Although this Coat of Arms might seem complete and with character, certain aspects were purposely not included in order to provide a future generation the opportunity to expand upon it. This Coat of Arms does not include any "supporter" about the shield (such as lions or knights). A lifestyle has been established in this Coat of Arms and future generations who uphold such manners of living are requested to add the supporter, as they hence would support the creeds.