- 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.
The Nova Scotia International Tattoo Society
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
June 20, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 244
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure fretty of bendlets Argent and bendlets sinister Or;
Crest
A demi lion Azure holding a banner of the Arms;
Supporters
Two unicorns Or armed crined and unguled Argent standing on a compartment of mayflowers and thistle flowers proper;
Motto
BEÒTHAICHIDH SINN AN CRIDHE AGUS GAIRMIDH SINN DHACHAIDH SIBH;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
On a compass rose Or, a hurt charged with a drum Argent embellished Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
The white (heraldic silver) represents the Tattoo's 25th anniversary. Blue and white are the colours of Nova Scotia with the blue also evoking the Nova Scotia tartan. The gold symbolizes the colour of many of the brass instruments played by bands which have been part of tattoos over the years. The diagonal pattern reflects the intricate "crossover" of musicians marching that is often a feature of presentations. The overall pattern of diagonals is a subtle reference to the tartans that are such a spectacular visual element of the event.
Crest
The lion represents the power of the Tattoo to entertain and inspire through music and marching. The colours of the lion link it to the symbolism of the shield, while the small flag being held symbolizes the lion's upholding of the character and mission of the Tattoo.
Supporters
The unicorn appears in the provincial arms of Nova Scotia and the Royal Arms for Scotland and for Canada. These unicorns are made distinctive to the Society through their colouring, which also ties them visually and symbolically to the shield. Use of this mythic creature emphasizes that the Tattoo is a Nova Scotian and Canadian institution. The unicorn is a much loved, much used and ancient heraldic symbol. Among its attributes are grace and beauty, characteristics which are prominent in so many of the Tattoo presentations. The horn of the unicorns is an additional reference to an important group of instruments and sounds in the Tattoo. The mayflowers and thistles symbolize Nova Scotia and Scotland whose musical heritage is such a strong aspect of the Tattoo.
Motto
Meaning "We stir the heart and call you home". This phrase arises from the way in which the spectacle of the Tattoo stirs our hearts and invites us to think of our country and ancestral homelands.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The white of the drum represents the Tattoo's Silver Jubilee. The drum itself symbolizes the origins of tattoos. The compass rose symbolizes the international outreach and character of the event.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on December 20, 2003, in Volume 137, page 3982 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
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Cultural Organization
One or more entries related to this Recipient's emblems appear elsewhere in the Register: Volume V, p. 163.