coat of arms

COAT OF ARMS History Of The Surname Biggar

The Ancient History Of The Distinguished Surname Biggar

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Ancient Biggar

BIGGAR FAMILY HISTORY

THE BIGGAR COAT OF ARMS
Coat of arms were developed in the middle ages as a means of identifying warriors in battle and tournaments. The present function of the coat of arms (although still one of idenity) serves more to preserve the traditions that arose from its earlier use.
THE BIGGAR COAT OF ARMS HERBY ILLUSTRATED IS OFFICIAL DOCUMENTED IN BURKE'S GENERAL ARMORY. THE ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ARMS IS AS FOLLOWS:
"AR.A BEND AZ BETW.THREE MULLETS GU."
When translated the blazon also describes the original colours of the Biggar arms as:
"SILVER; A BLUE DIAGONAL BEND BETWEEN THREE RED STARS"
Above the shield and helmet is the crest which is described as:
"A NATURALLY COLORED PELICAN'S HEAD SEVERED."

Meaning of Symbols and colours
SILVER-Argent or white depicted by a white space,represents serenity and nobilty.
BEND-one of the Honorable Ordinates

Coat Of Arms sent in By James Bigger Of Ontario,Canada

copyright by Halberts Family heritage,The World Book Of Biggars

The Bearing Of Arms

Under most heraldic rules, only first sons of the recipient of a Coat Of Arms are permitted to bear the ancestors Arms. Younger sons may use a version of there fathers Arms,but the rules of heraldy say that they must be changed("differenced") somewhat. If the bearer of the Coat Of Arms ("called an Armiger") dies without male heirs, his daughter may combine her fathers Arms with her husbands Arms. This process is called "impaling." Although these princables seem formal today, they do give us an idea of the rich,protective traditions which surround heraldy through the ages.