- The Governor General of Canada
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Chi Son Phu
Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Flag, with differences to Mason Chi Lam Phu and Brady Chi Minh Phu
April 15, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 87
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules a leatherback turtle tergiant Or, on a chief dancetty Argent five torteaux;
Crest
A demi-water buffalo guardant Or accorné and unguled Argent, gorged with a rope pendent therefrom a pair of maple seeds Gules, holding between its forelegs a torteau charged with an ochna integerrima blossom Or;
Motto
TOGETHER ALWAYS AND FOREVER;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Differenced Arms for Mason Chi Lam Phu, child of Chi Son Phu
The Arms of Chi Son Phu debruised of five pine trees couped Gules in place of the torteaux during his father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms;
Differenced Arms for Brady Chi Minh Phu, child of Chi Son Phu
The Arms of Chi Son Phu debruised of five mullets Gules in place of the torteaux;
Symbolism
Arms
Red and white are found on the flag of Canada, Mr. Phu’s country of birth. Gold symbolizes luck, happiness and prosperity. Known for its unusually long annual migrations, the leatherback turtle alludes to the lengthy and arduous journey to Canada made by Mr. Phu’s parents, who were Vietnamese boat people and whose experience shaped his outlook on the world. The migratory behaviour of the leatherback turtle evokes adventures, and thus Mr. Phu’s interest in travelling. The turtle also stands for Kim Quy, one of the four sacred animals of Vietnamese mythology. As such, it symbolizes strength, freedom and peace, which is what Mr. Phu’s family found in Canada. The discs allude to plates and represent his career as a restaurateur and entrepreneur. The jagged line alludes to mountains, making a visual reference to his given name Chi Son, which means “mountain” in Vietnamese.
Crest
In the Vietnamese zodiac, the water buffalo symbolizes industry and patience, two virtues that Mr. Phu learned from his parents. The yellow mai is the first tree to bloom in Vietnam in spring, when Tet (the new year) is celebrated. The colour of its blossoms brings good luck, and each of their five petals a blessing, which for Mr. Phu are longevity, wealth, peace, health and virtue. The maple seeds represent Mr. Phu’s family as it grows in Canada.
Motto
This phrase serves as a guiding beacon to Mr. Phu and his family. It is a reminder that, no matter what happens in life, they can always count on each other for help.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Mason Chi Lam Phu, child of Chi Son Phu
The pine trees refer to Mason’s middle name, Lam, which means “forest” in Vietnamese. This is a temporary mark of difference.
Differenced Arms for Brady Chi Minh Phu, child of Chi Son Phu
The stars refer to Brady’s middle name Minh, which means "bright" in Vietnamese.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 29, 2022, in Volume 156, page 5124 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Fabienne Fusade, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Desirée Kern
Calligrapher
Luc Saucier
Recipient Information
Individual