Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants

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.

Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
August 15, 2019
Vol. VII, p. 200

Arms of the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants
Arms of the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants
Flag of the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants
Badge of the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants
 
Arms of the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants

Arms of the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants

Blazon

Gules a three-masted ship flagged on the foremast with Argent a cross Gules, on the main mast with the Union Flag of 1606, and on the aft mast with a pennant Argent, on a chief dancetty Argent three escallops Gules;

Symbolism

Red and white are the colours of Canada. The ship evokes the Mayflower, the English vessel that transported the Pilgrims to New England in 1620. The shells are a symbol of a pilgrim, thus referring to the ship’s passengers.

Crest

Blazon

A Canada jay proper grasping in its beak a sprig of maple leaves Gules and perched on a split granite boulder inscribed 1620 proper;

Symbolism

The Canada jay (grey jay) with its maple leaves represents the Canadian identity of the Society. The boulder represents Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts, traditionally believed to be the landing spot of the Pilgrims in 1620.

Motto

Blazon

MAY FLOWERS FLOURISH;

Symbolism

This phrase is a pun on the name Mayflower and expresses a wish that the Society may grow and flourish.
Flag of the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants

Flag of the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants

Blazon

A banner of the Arms;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge of the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants

Badge of the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants

Blazon

A sprig of oak proper dimidiating a sprig of maple Gules both fructed proper and within a belt Gules edged, buckled, and inscribed PATRUM MEMORIAE FIDELIS in letters Argent;

Symbolism

The oak and maple leaves symbolize the Pilgrim settlers from England and their Canadian descendants. The Latin phrase PATRUM MEMORIAE FIDELIS means “Be faithful to the memory of your ancestors.”
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on December 7, 2019 in Volume 153, page 4269 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Canadian Society of Mayflower DescendantsLetters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Canadian Society of Mayflower DescendantsLetters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Canadian Society of Mayflower Descendants

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, and George Nye (Arms and Flag), and George McNeillie and Guy Selvester (Badge), assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter

Desirée Kern

Calligrapher

Yolande Lessard

Recipient Type

Civil Institution