- 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.
Andrew Colin Murdoch
Richmond, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badges, with differences to Brendan Kevin Murdoch and Sabrina Michelle Murdoch
March 15, 2021
Vol. VII, p. 343
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Bendy sinister Gules and Sable, a claymore palewise point in base its guard Argent, hilted, pommeled and surmounted by two quills in saltire Or;
Crest
A raven rising wings displayed Sable semé of stellar lights and transfixed through the breast by an arrow bendwise sinister Argent feathered Gules;
Motto
ÈIRICH;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
The raven from the Crest perched on a scroll Gules inscribed with the Motto in letters Argent;
Badge
A rustre bendy sinister Gules and Sable;
Differenced Arms for Brendan Kevin Murdoch, child of Andrew Colin Murdoch
The Arms of Andrew Colin Murdoch debruised of a three-point label Argent during his father’s lifetime; This individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his death;
Differenced Arms for Sabrina Michelle Murdoch, child of Andrew Colin Murdoch
The Arms of Andrew Colin Murdoch bendy sinister Gules and Purpure in place of Gules and Sable;
Symbolism
Arms
Red and black are Mr. Murdoch’s favourite colours. The diagonal stripes starting in the upper right—called “bendy sinister” in the language of heraldry—allude to what he considers his sinister sense of humour. The quills symbolize Mr. Murdoch’s love of writing and calligraphy. The claymore sword represents his Scottish ancestry. Pointing down in a resting position behind the two quills, it expresses one of Mr. Murdoch’s favourite sayings, “The pen is mightier than the sword.”
Crest
The raven shot by an arrow alludes to the crest of the Scottish Murdoch families, which, according to legend, refers to a young man named Murdoch demonstrating his skill in archery by shooting ravens with an arrow. For Mr. Murdoch, the raven also symbolizes overcoming adversity by trying to fly despite injury. The stellar lights represent his passion for science fiction and his volunteer work in that field, organizing events and writing for fanzines.
Motto
Meaning “Arise,” this Scottish Gaelic phrase alludes to overcoming adversity, such as in Mr. Murdoch’s work of assisting those recovering from brain and physical injury to safely operate a motor vehicle again.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The raven and arrow repeat the symbolism of the Crest, reinforced here with the Motto.
Badge
The pierced lozenge—called a “rustre” in the language of blazon—is a relatively rare heraldic charge particularly appreciated by Mr. Murdoch; it alludes to his long-standing interest in heraldry and his great delight in what is uncommon.
Differenced Arms for Brendan Kevin Murdoch, child of Andrew Colin Murdoch
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Sabrina Michelle Murdoch, child of Andrew Colin Murdoch
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 December 11, 2021, in Volume 155, page 5668 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Andrew Colin Murdoch, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Ilona Jurkiewicz
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual