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Breathless Moon Site Contents
Part I: Family Tradition
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Part II: Transcriptions |
Part IV: Parallel Dimensions |
Part
V: Odd Bits |
© 2001-2007
Vortex Creations, Inc.
Daniel K.
Burgess, Webmaster
Page last updated:
Wednesday, 16 May 2007 22:51
Burgess Family Crests
Many European families of royal lineage or recognized civic standing during the Middle Ages often had a family crest. Alternatively called a "coat" or "blazon" of arms the family crest was intended to signify or symbolize the recognized distinction of a family name. Usually represented as shield and embellished with symbols, phrases and designs, each element and aspect of a family crest meant something specific and very unique to the holder of the crest.
Typically, a family crest (coat of arms) was bestowed by royal decree and lawfully registered to specific individual or family. Through the prevailing laws, a family crest was generally non-transferable and was arbitrarily passed down from one generation to the next. However, there are cases where, through the old practice of primogeniture, where a family crest was passed directly from a father to his first born son.
Depending on the region and other circumstances, family crests changed from family to family, individual to individual as well as from one generation to the next. Therefore, one consistent family crest through the years is indeed a great rarity except where direct lineage from father to the first born son can be proven. However, in today's society, the average person is not entitled to claim a certain family crest with all the pomp and circumstance of an age long ago.
Today, as we seek out ancestry and heritage, the family crest becomes an icon to represent our desires and efforts to show some link to our royal or civic distinction and standing of long ago.
The Burgess family crests, shown below, are the most frequently seen and commonly attributed heraldic icons for the Burgess family surname.
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Blazon Of Arms (Shield) Azure (Blue) background with Argent (Silver) fess or bar separating Argent Crescent Moon in chief (top) and Argent Rose in base. Azure denotes loyalty and truth. The Crescent Moon signifies glory and hope while the rose stands for peace and sincerity Crest (Crown) A fleur-de-lis is customarily displayed over the Blazon Of Arms (Helmet and Oak leaves) when it is shown. The fleur-de-lis signifies faith, wisdom and valor. Family Motto Le bon temps viendra Translation Of Motto: "The Good Day Will Come" (when displayed) |
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Other Examples
The following pages offer more examples of Burgess family or related family crests. Note the variations in the family surname spelling which may often indicate the locality the family crest originated from. Origins are given when and where known and are not arranged in any particular order. The designs and images used means something significant, but the meaning of each design and image now appear to be lost in history.
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