Arms of the Nanaimo Empire Day Celebrations Society
Arms of the Nanaimo Empire Day Celebrations Society
Blazon
Argent on a cross Gules cotised Azure five coronets erablé Or in the first quarter between a cross saltire Gules cotised interlaced Azure four lozenges Sable the fourth quarter semé of lozenges Sable;
Symbolism
The shield is based on the arms of the City of Nanaimo featuring the cross of St. George and black diamonds suggesting coal. The colours of red, white and blue recall the Union Jack and emphasize that the May 24th celebrations commemorate the British Empire and the Queen. The interlaced crosses refer to the Roman numeral XX (twenty), with the four lozenges representing the number four for a total of twenty-four. The five maple leaf coronets allude to May, the fifth month, and highlight the Queen’s birthday and that this is a Canadian celebration.
Crest of the Nanaimo Empire Day Celebrations Society
Blazon
Issuant from a coronet Or the rim set with lozenges Sable a demi cougar charged at the shoulder with a representation of the Nanaimo Bastion Argent fimbriated Sable the dexter forepaw raised holding a torch Or enflamed proper with streamers Gules Azure and Argent;
Symbolism
The coronet of black diamonds is another reference to the City of Nanaimo, and the cougar stands for Vancouver Island. The torch and ribbons symbolize both excellence and the sporting events often associated with the celebrations. The bastion symbolizes the historical relationship between the Hudson’s Bay Company and the town of Nanaimo in the 1800s.
Motto of the Nanaimo Empire Day Celebrations Society
Blazon
PRO REGINA ET URBE;
Symbolism
This means “For the Queen and the city”, honours the Queen and the spirit of the city celebrating its heritage.
