- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Gabriella Lappa, née d'Emilio
Manotick, Ontario
Grant of Arms, with differences to Roberto Luca Romolo Lappa and Alessandro Pietro Lappa
August 20, 2010
Vol. V, p. 540
[ previous page ]
Blazon
Arms
Argent on a pile reversed Gules two hands appaumé conjoined Argent surmounted by a heart Or, in base two bars wavy Argent;
Crest
A weeping willow eradicated Or, its trunk charged with a needle Argent, enfiling a coronet erablé Gules;
Motto
DARE E RICEVERE;
Symbolism
Arms
The hands represent Ms. Lappa’s two sons and also symbolize the actions of giving, creating, nurturing and protecting. The heart represents life and Ms. Lappa’s love and loyalty to family and friends. The wavy stripes refer to the Adriatic Sea and thus her family’s ancestral roots in the Abruzzo region of Italy. They are also symbolic of the overseas journey undertaken by the families of both her and her husband to establish their roots in Canada. The triangular shape evokes the Apennine Mountains in the Marche region of Italy, from where her husband and his family originate. The white field, indicative in Christian symbolism of light and joy, signifies Ms. Lappa’s faith and spirituality.
Crest
The flowing branches of the weeping willow represent the ever-changing movements of one’s life, while the roots anchored in the ground indicate the new roots of Ms. Lappa’s family in Canada. The crown of maple leaves represents her more than thirty years of service to the Office of the Governor General. The needle pays tribute to her mother, Lucia, as a symbol of her creativity and strength.
Motto
This Italian phrase, meaning “Giving and receiving”, honours Ms. Lappa’s Italian roots. It exemplifies her belief in the importance of giving to others, out of which one receives so much in return.