- 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.
John Chew Mean Mah
Edmonton, Alberta
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Andrew Gustus Mah and Carolyn Irene Mah
March 15, 2007
Vol. V, p. 120
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a Pegasus rampant Argent gorged with bauhinia flowers proper, holding between its forelegs a terrestrial globe, all within a tressure Or charged at each angle with a Maltese cross Argent;
Crest
Issuant from a coronet erablé Gules the circlet charged with mullets Or, a demi-tiger vambraced and gauntleted proper holding in the dexter paw a balance Or;
Motto
PER SCIENTIAM FORTITUDO;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
Two Curtana swords in saltire Or surmounted by a torteau charged with a horse’s head Or;
Differenced Arms for Andrew Gustus Mah, son of John Chew Mean Mah
The Arms of John Chew Mean Mah debruised by a three-point label Argent; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his or her death;
Differenced Arms for Carolyn Irene Mah, daughter of John Chew Mean Mah
The Arms of John Chew Mean Mah with the tressure charged in chief with two bears’ faces Argent in place of the Maltese crosses;
Symbolism
Arms
The horse represents the Chinese name Mah, meaning horse. The Maltese crosses joined by a thin line to portray a simple collar of office allude to Mr. Mah’s significant participation in leadership positions in the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. The globe illustrates Mr. Mah’s interests and activities around the world. The bauhinia flower is an emblem of Hong Kong.
Crest
Mr. Mah holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Canadian Forces. The armour and scales are based on the JAG badge. The tiger indicates that Mr. Mah was born in the Chinese year of the tiger. The coronet represents his service to the Sovereign of Canada as a military officer serving the “Maple crown”. The gold stars on red are based on the flag of China, alluding to his birth there.
Motto
Meaning “Strength through knowledge”.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The gold and red colours are chosen to represent eternal light and joy respectively. The swords are borrowed from the badge of the JAG branch, and represent the sword of mercy. The head of Pegasus is repeated in the badge.
Differenced Arms for Andrew Gustus Mah, son of John Chew Mean Mah
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Carolyn Irene Mah, daughter of John Chew Mean Mah
The bear is one of her favourite animals.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 6, 2007, in Volume 141, page 2826 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Individual