Arms of Christophe Terry Joseph Jodoin Stevenson
Arms of Christophe Terry Joseph Jodoin Stevenson
Blazon
Quarterly Azure and Gules, a lozenge couped in chief Purpure edged with a rope and charged with a naval crown Or, all between in each corner a pair of bezants;
Symbolism
Blue and red are traditionally associated with France and England, and thus allude to Mr. Stevenson’s French-speaking mother and English-speaking father. Combining both colours, purple embodies his identity as the sum of two cultures. The naval crown marks his service with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets while also illustrating his surname, which is derived from the Greek word for “crown.” A rope border is a common feature of naval badges, which led him to the study of heraldry. The diamond shape is reminiscent of the Superman logo and shows Mr. Stevenson’s passion for science fiction. Another reference to this interest are the discs in each corner, inspired by the collar pins that indicate officer ranks in Star Trek, two pins being used for a naval lieutenant. The discs also represent the rocks that are the attribute of the martyr St. Stephen, another link to his surname and a symbol of his Christian faith.
Crest of Christophe Terry Joseph Jodoin Stevenson
Blazon
A bell Or charged with a turtle tergiant Purpure;
Symbolism
The ship’s bell represents Mr. Stevenson’s service in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. Since a bell is used as a font to baptize a crew member’s child, it also indicates his Christian faith. As a marker of time, it alludes to his study of history. The turtle is a reptile comfortable in two different environments (land and water): it reinforces Mr. Stevenson’s biculturalism as well as his attachment to Canada, which many Indigenous peoples call “Turtle Island.” Coloured purple, it recalls Donatello, his favourite Ninja Turtle, and his interest in comics and science fiction.
Motto of Christophe Terry Joseph Jodoin Stevenson
Blazon
APPRENONS · INSTRUISONS;
Symbolism
Meaning “Let us learn, let us instruct,” this French phrase expresses Mr. Stevenson’s love of learning and teaching. It recalls his role as a cadet instructor in the Canadian Armed Forces.
