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Toronto, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
November 1, 1998
Vol. III, p. 280
Arms of Suan-Seh FooBlazonArgent semé of crosses bottony Sable on a pall reversed Gules cotised Azure a rod of Aesculapius surmounting a mahlstick and a paint brush in saltire Or; SymbolismThe reversed Y-shape refers to the old badge of the Straits Settlements (Penang, Malacca and Singapore), which used a similar shape in white on red. This indicates Dr. Foo’s birthplace in Singapore and his family’s geographical abode for three generations. The addition of the blue makes reference to the colours of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Toronto, of which Dr. Foo is a graduate and which he continues to serve through the executive of the Medical Alumni Association. The pattern of crosses refers to the ankhs on the arms of the Faculty, suitably differenced to make a reference to Dr. Foo’s Christian faith. The rod of Aesculapius is a traditional symbol of medicine, and the mahl-stick and the paintbrush refer to Dr. Foo’s avocation as a painter. |
CrestBlazonWithin a circlet of maple leaves Gules on a mount in front of a palm tree Vert a Chinese lion passant Or armed and langued Gules its dexter forepaw resting on a bamboo ball Or; SymbolismThe crest was inspired by an emblem Dr. Foo recalls from British Singapore, showing a lion in front of a palm tree. In this case the lion has been rendered in the Chinese style as a reference to Dr. Foo’s ancestry. Such a lion is known as a “Fu dog”, which makes a pun on Dr. Foo’s surname. The ball is traditionally shown with the male lion. The bamboo which forms the ball is significant in that the Chinese character of bamboo forms a part of Dr. Foo’s surname. The maple leaves indicate his Canadian citizenship. |
MottoBlazonDEUS ET DIGNITAS; SymbolismThis Latin phrase means “God and honour”. Dignitas refers not only to proper bearing and behaviour but also the Chinese concept of worthiness. |
Flag of Suan-Seh FooBlazonA Standard : In the hoist the Arms the fly per fess Argent and Gules charged over all dexter with the Crest of the Arms and sinister with the Badge; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Suan-Seh FooBlazonOn a mound of palm fronds Vert and maple leaves Gules a swan wings elevated proper gorged with a rope pendant therefrom a cross bottony bearing in its beak a paint brush entwined with a serpent all Or; SymbolismThis combines several of the symbols of the arms and crest. The swan makes a punning reference to Dr. Foo’s first name. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on January 30, 1999 in Volume 133, page 182 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Suan-Seh Foo, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterGordon Macpherson CalligrapherNancy Ellis Recipient TypeIndividual |