The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

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.

Sharagim Habibi

Rocky View County, Alberta
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
April 15, 2016
Vol. VI, p. 603

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.


Blazon

Arms

Argent between two flaunches Sable each charged with a demi-sun in splendour Or issuant from its arc, in chief a lotus flower Gules, in base a pile reversed Sable charged with three mullets Or;

Crest

A lamassu Or sejant on palm branches Gules;

Motto

AUT INVENIAM VIAM AUT FACIAM;

Flag

Gules a lamassu sejant Or holding an escutcheon of the Arms;

Badge

On a pellet a lamassu’s face irradiated Or;


Symbolism

Arms

The white shape on a black background illustrates the distinctive neckwear worn in court by lawyers, Mr. Habibi’s profession. The lotus is in some cultures associated with purity and enlightenment, and thus represents the value of higher education. To him, it also symbolizes love and commitment to family values. The three stars recall Mr. Habibi’s countries of heritage and citizenship: Canada, Great Britain, and Iran. They also symbolize the Habibi family’s historical religious traditions and their more modern acceptance of varied theistic beliefs, the stars referring to the Holy Trinity, and their five points to the Five Pillars of Islam. The sun signifies life and happiness, and refers to the new life that Mr. Habibi’s family created for themselves in Canada.

Crest

The winged lion, inspired by that found at the palace of Darius the Great at Susa, in modern-day Iran, is a symbol of courage and strength. Mr. Habibi being British-born, the lion is both a symbol of his admiration and respect for the monarchy as well as British and Canadian institutions. The palm branches represent justice and honour, two values Mr. Habibi and his family hold dear.

Motto

This Latin phrase means “I shall either find a way or make one”.

Flag

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Badge

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.


Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 22, 2016, in Volume 150, page 3151 of the Canada Gazette.


Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Samy Khalid, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass

Calligrapher
Luc Saucier


Recipient Information

Individual