Interesting article this morning in the Heritage & Culture section on the Scotsman's web site about clan mottoes and slogans.

Courage! (The motto of the Clan Cumming)

Todd

Family sentiments to inspire Mel Gibson
JENNIFER VEITCH

SCOTLAND'S clans are famed the world over for their tartans and traditions, but they have another, often overlooked but illuminating, symbol of their heritage. The family motto, which often features on the personal coats of arms held by the clan chiefs, are thought to have originated as battle cries in medieval times.

Whether they were written in Scots, Gaelic, French, Latin or English, all clearly aim to instill a deep sense of pride in the traditions of a particular family or clan. While a few families, like the Brodies or Camerons, share the simple motto "Unite", most try to encapsulate their strengths and virtues.

Not surprisingly, many emphasise the courage and bravery needed to go into battle. For example, the potentially foolhardy "Danger is sweet" is the motto of the MacAulays, while the Gunn family motto, "Either peace or war", sounds almost as belligerent. The Robertson motto – "Glory is the reward of valour" – inspires with thoughts of victory.

Other mottoes are concerned with the patience needed to survive adversity – the Lindsays urge their family to "Endure with strength", while the MacIntyres stress their dogged determination with "Per ardua" or "Through difficulties".

Some families acknowledge that bravery comes from overcoming fear, like the MacNabs' motto "Let fear be far from all". Others focus on intelligence or cunning rather than brute strength, such as the Erskines' "I think more".

Many mottoes also extol the virtues of faith – or even fear – in God, for example the Munros' "Dread God", while the Craig family urges "Live for God and you shall have life".

Meanwhile the McKinnons prefer to acknowledge that luck, and not only God, also needs to be on your side as "Fortune assists the daring".

The idea of serving ones king and country appeal to some clans, while others appear less enamoured of their rulers. The McGregors' motto, "Royal is my race" refers to their claim to be descended from Griogar, son of Alpin, a king of Dalriada, while the Henderson motto, "Virtue alone ennobles", gives an altogether different perspective.

A few mottoes also have stories behind them. The Cunningham motto, "Over fork over," stems from the legend that a Cunningham hid King Malcolm III and covered him with hay.

But if there is one Scottish family motto that needs little or no explanation, it must be that of the Wallaces: "For Freedom".

-- http://heritage.scotsman.com/genealo...?id=1324712006