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Halifax, Nova Scotia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
June 20, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 244
Arms of The Nova Scotia International Tattoo SocietyBlazonAzure fretty of bendlets Argent and bendlets sinister Or; SymbolismThe white (heraldic silver) represents the Tattoo's 25th anniversary. Blue and white are the colours of Nova Scotia with the blue also evoking the Nova Scotia tartan. The gold symbolizes the colour of many of the brass instruments played by bands which have been part of tattoos over the years. The diagonal pattern reflects the intricate "crossover" of musicians marching that is often a feature of presentations. The overall pattern of diagonals is a subtle reference to the tartans that are such a spectacular visual element of the event. |
CrestBlazonA demi lion Azure holding a banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe lion represents the power of the Tattoo to entertain and inspire through music and marching. The colours of the lion link it to the symbolism of the shield, while the small flag being held symbolizes the lion's upholding of the character and mission of the Tattoo. |
MottoBlazonBEÒTHAICHIDH SINN AN CRIDHE AGUS GAIRMIDH SINN DHACHAIDH SIBH; SymbolismMeaning "We stir the heart and call you home". This phrase arises from the way in which the spectacle of the Tattoo stirs our hearts and invites us to think of our country and ancestral homelands. |
SupportersBlazonTwo unicorns Or armed crined and unguled Argent standing on a compartment of mayflowers and thistle flowers proper; SymbolismThe unicorn appears in the provincial arms of Nova Scotia and the Royal Arms for Scotland and for Canada. These unicorns are made distinctive to the Society through their colouring, which also ties them visually and symbolically to the shield. Use of this mythic creature emphasizes that the Tattoo is a Nova Scotian and Canadian institution. The unicorn is a much loved, much used and ancient heraldic symbol. Among its attributes are grace and beauty, characteristics which are prominent in so many of the Tattoo presentations. The horn of the unicorns is an additional reference to an important group of instruments and sounds in the Tattoo. The mayflowers and thistles symbolize Nova Scotia and Scotland whose musical heritage is such a strong aspect of the Tattoo. |
Flag of The Nova Scotia International Tattoo SocietyBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of The Nova Scotia International Tattoo SocietyBlazonOn a compass rose Or, a hurt charged with a drum Argent embellished Azure; SymbolismThe white of the drum represents the Tattoo's Silver Jubilee. The drum itself symbolizes the origins of tattoos. The compass rose symbolizes the international outreach and character of the event. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on December 20, 2003 in Volume 137, page 3982 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterDavid Farrar CalligrapherNancy Ellis Recipient TypeCivil Institution
Other InformationOne or more entries related to this Recipient's emblems appear elsewhere in the Register: Volume V, p. 163. |