Symbolism on the Chief's arms

[Nathan]

I'm thinking about interesting content for the Clan Donald Southern Ontario newsletter. One thing I'm considering is explaining how the symbols on the various Arms of the Chiefs of Clan Donald correspond to our history.

I see many resourses that explain the arms, but is there any source out there that interprets their meaning?

I know some intitively like the salmon and the Highland Galley, but I'd love to use the Heraldry of our Chiefs as a teaching tool of our Clan's exploits and history. Any expert opinions or guidance would be most appreciated.

Slàinte,

Nathan

[creagdhubh]

Nathan,

I am unsure of any particular source, but I do know that my own clan, the Clan Macpherson, has a detailed explanation of our Chief's Arms (as they correspond to Clan Macpherson history, as well as in terminology of Scots Heraldry) at the Clan Macpherson Museum in Newtonmore, as well as online through the official website of the Clan Macpherson Association. So I wonder, is there not anything similar via Clan Donald resources? More than likely, you are already aware of the resources I've provided below. Such a wonderful idea and I wish you the best of luck!

http://www.clandonald-heritage.com/

http://www.clandonald-heritage.com/i...d=37&Itemid=56

http://www.clandonald-heritage.com/i...:home&Itemid=1

http://www.clandonald-heritage.com/i...:home&Itemid=1

http://www.heraldry-scotland.co.uk/westhigh2.html

[Sir Didymous]

Generally the symbolism is based on personal interpretations of the one who built the arms. In the case of the arms I have being considered for registration, I associate water carriers with service. This doesn't mean that all water carriers found in arms mean this, but they do on mine. So your task may be a daunting one that involves a fair deal of speculation and research as to the meanings of the colors and charges. But I'm for you; it would make for an interesting read.

[Gael Ridire]

I suggest you go to the library and use inter library loan for the book "Highland Clans," by Sir Iain Moncrieffe of that Ilk. What is unique about the west Highlands clan heraldry is that it is very into genealogic symbols. For instance a hand holding a cross is purely Gaelic, i.e., crest of Clan Donald, and is a symbol of "The Kindred of St. Colomcille." Look also for articles about such in the late 80s to early 90s in the Canadian Heraldry Society quarterly journal.