- 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.
Michael David Dan
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Aaron Reuben Dan, Zachary Ryan Dan, Jonathan Colin Dan, Shelby Lauren Dan, Maïa Rebecca Dan, and Lana Rachel Dan
July 20, 2012
Vol. VI, p. 150
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Blazon
Arms
Per pale Argent and Vert, a snake environing a mortar and pestle counterchanged;
Crest
A chambered nautilus proper;
Motto
IBI FLORUIMUS;
Symbolism
Arms
The snake is associated with the ancient Hebrew tribe of Dan, Jacob having said to his son Dan is that he “shall be a serpent by the way, and adder in the path” (Genesis 49:17). The snake also evokes the rod of Aesculapius as a reference to Dr. Dan’s career as a medical doctor in the field of neurosurgery. The mortar and pestle is a symbol of pharmacology, and thus refers to Dr. Dan’s father’s profession and to Dr. Dan’s work as an executive in the family pharmaceutical business.
Crest
The nautilus alludes to Dr. Dan’s interest in Fibonacci numbers, as its shell contains a Fibonacci spiral.
Motto
This Latin phrase is a variation of the motto of the University of Manitoba, Floreat (“May it flourish”), marking the fact that Dr. Dan’s ancestors settled on the Red River directly across from the university’s present location