- 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.
Paula Draga Vachon
Hull, Quebec
Grant of Arms
April 29, 1992
Vol. II, p. 152
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Vert two feathers Argent quills Or conjoined at the tips in chevron between three eagle heads Argent each holding in the beak a Latin cross Or;
Crest
Upon a grassy mound an oak tree proper fructed Or attached to its trunk a cow-bell Or clapper Sable;
Motto
ASPICE CONFIDENTER. This Latin phrase means "Look forward with confidence".
Symbolism
Arms
The feathers represent the two intellectual pursuits of Mrs. Gornescu-Vachon, namely philology and history. The three eagle heads holding a Latin cross in the beak allude to the coat of arms of her place of birth, the principality of Wallachia in Romania. The cross also symbolizes her unshakeable faith.
Crest
The oak tree (gorun in Romanian) is a pun on the etymology of the name Gornescu. The cowbell (cloche à vache in French) alludes to the name of her husband, Vachon.
Motto
This Latin phrase meaning “Look with confidence” counterbalances her husband’s motto, Aspice perspicue, “See clearly”. It emphasizes the necessity to bring the two principles of life into equilibrium.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on July 25, 1992, in Volume 126, page 2303 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Auguste Vachon, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Hans Birk
Calligrapher
John Whitehead
Recipient Information
Individual