The Butler Coat Of Arms: A Historical Family Legacy

Coats of arms have been used to identify people on and off the battlefield since biblical times. The Butler coat of arms came into existence centuries ago, with the process of creating coats of arms beginning in the 11th century. The name Butler is of Anglo-Norman descent, and the first recorded spelling of the name is Hugo Buteiller, dated 1055. The name was introduced to Ireland by the Normans in the 12th century and is derived from the office of the King's Butler, with the head of the family claiming presage and butlerage. The Butler coat of arms features a falcon, representing nobility, strength, bravery, and alertness, as well as three unicorns, which represent bravery, purity, healing powers, pride, intelligence, and virility. The blue circle on the outside of the shield shows that the bearer was a member of The Most Noble Order of the Garter, while the three covered cups symbolize the hereditary office of the Chief Butler of Ireland.

The Butler coat of arms has a falcon, representing nobility, strength, bravery, alertness, and protection

The Butler coat of arms has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century and the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. The name "Butler" itself has Anglo-Norman origins, derived from the Latin "buticularius" and "buticula", meaning "bottle". The falcon depicted in the Butler coat of arms is a powerful symbol with a range of meanings. In heraldry, a falcon is associated with nobility, strength, bravery, and alertness. With wings displayed, as in the Butler coat of arms, the falcon also represents protection.

The falcon's association with nobility and strength has deep roots in history and mythology. In ancient times, falconry was a sport of royals and nobles, and the falcon was seen as a symbol of majesty and power. The Egyptians associated the falcon with the 'Eye of Horus', the god believed to appear as a falcon or falcon-headed god. The falcon's wing shape in flight also has a unique derivation, coming from the Latin "falx", meaning sickle.

The Butler coat of arms, with its rising falcon, embodies the values of strength, bravery, and alertness. The wings of the falcon, displayed open, signify protection, a powerful message of defence and guardianship. The specific placement of the falcon in the crest, known as the Dexter Supporter position, is also significant. The falcon is shown sitting on a plume of five silver ostrich feathers, which represent obedience and serenity, further emphasising the values of calm strength and honour.

The falcon in the Butler coat of arms is just one element of a complex heraldic design. The shield, or escutcheon, features a blue circle indicating membership in the Order of the Garter, an English order of chivalry founded in 1348. The inescutcheon, or middle quarters, depict three unicorns symbolising bravery, purity, and intelligence. The upper quarters showcase a chief indented, representing dominion and authority, alongside covered cups symbolising the hereditary office of the Chief Butler of Ireland. The lower quarters display a red lion with a silver swan, representing strength and courage, alongside a saltier, or St Andrew's cross, symbolising courage.

The Butler coat of arms, with its falcon crest, serves as a visual representation of the family's values, history, and accomplishments. The falcon, with its noble and powerful symbolism, sits at the heart of this heraldic display, embodying the strength, bravery, and protection associated with the Butler name.

The blue circle on the shield indicates membership of the Most Noble Order of the Garter

The Butler coat of arms is steeped in history, with close to 100 documented variations in England and Ireland. The blue circle on the shield of the coat of arms, also known as an escutcheon, indicates membership of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. This prestigious order of chivalry was founded by Edward III of England in the 14th century, inspired by the legendary King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in Britain, with a rich history and unique traditions. The blue circle, or garter, is a distinctive emblem worn by its members, encircling the left calf of knights and the left arm of ladies on ceremonial occasions. The garter bears the motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense", which translates to "Shame on him who thinks evil of it". This motto is not only a reference to the order's values but also to Edward III's claim to the French throne, which the knights were established to uphold.

Membership in the Order of the Garter was, and still is, a great honour. It was originally limited to the monarch, the Prince of Wales, and 24 companions, with additional supernumerary members from the royal family and foreign monarchs. Appointments were, and continue to be, made at the sovereign's sole discretion, recognising national contribution, service to the Crown, or distinguished personal service to the monarch.

The blue circle on the Butler coat of arms, therefore, indicates a direct link to this ancient and esteemed order, reflecting nobility, valour, and loyalty in service to the sovereign. It is a symbol of chivalry and honour, with a history stretching back to the Middle Ages and the reign of Edward III.

The three unicorns represent bravery, purity, healing powers, pride, intelligence, and virility

The Butler coat of arms is rich with symbolism and meaning. The three unicorns depicted on the inescutcheon, or middle of the quarters, represent bravery, purity, healing powers, pride, intelligence, and virility. These majestic creatures are a powerful symbol of strength and nobility.

The unicorn has long been a symbol of strength and power, and its presence on the Butler coat of arms indicates the family's strong and proud heritage. The choice to include three unicorns may signify the unity and strength of the Butler family across three countries: Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The unicorn's horn, or alicorn, was also believed to have healing and purifying properties, making it a symbol of health and renewal.

The combination of bravery, purity, and healing powers represented by the unicorns reflects the honourable and virtuous nature of the Butler family. The unicorns' intelligence and virility further emphasise the family's strength and prowess, both on and off the battlefield. The Butler coat of arms proudly displays these qualities for all to see, serving as a testament to the family's long and illustrious history.

The unicorns' representation of bravery and intelligence also speaks to the strategic thinking and courageous spirit of the family. Their association with purity and healing powers may also signify the family's positive influence and contribution to society, akin to the mythical purifying abilities of the unicorn's horn.

The Butler coat of arms, with its three unicorns, serves as a powerful symbol of the family's proud heritage, strength, and positive impact. The unicorns' majestic nature and symbolic meanings continue to inspire and empower the Butler family and its descendants.

The covered cups symbolise the hereditary office of the Chief Butler of Ireland

The Butler coat of arms is rich with symbolism and meaning. The three covered cups on the upper right quarter of the shield are a reference to the hereditary office of the Chief Butler of Ireland. This prestigious role was first bestowed upon Theobald FitzWalter by the King in 1177. One of the Chief Butler's most important duties was to serve the king the first cup of wine at banquets and coronations.

The Butler coat of arms is not just a symbol of the family name, but also of their noble service to royalty. The covered cups are a reminder of the honour and responsibility bestowed upon the Chief Butler, who played a crucial role in important royal ceremonies and events.

The Butler family has a long and proud history that dates back to the 12th century when the surname was introduced to Ireland during the Anglo-Norman invasion, led by Strongbow. The name itself, which means 'the bottler' or 'bottle maker', further emphasises the family's association with beverages and their role in supplying and serving wine.

The Butler coat of arms is a visual representation of the family's heritage and service, with the covered cups being a central symbol of their connection to the office of the Chief Butler of Ireland.

The red lion symbolises strength, courage, and generosity

The Butler coat of arms features a red lion, which symbolises strength, courage, and generosity. The lion is depicted in a rampant stance, meaning it is erect on its hind feet and ready for combat. The direction the lion faces is important, as facing left signifies bravery, while facing right would imply cowardice. The red colour of the lion also represents military strength and a willingness to face danger.

The lion is accompanied by a silver swan, which symbolises love, grace, and perfection. The swan is also associated with peace and sincerity, represented by the colour silver. The lion and swan are joined by a golden annulet, or finger ring, symbolising fidelity.

Together, these symbols on the Butler coat of arms convey a message of strength, courage, and generosity, with an emphasis on loyalty and peace. The combination of the lion and swan creates a sense of balance between power and elegance, suggesting that strength can be coupled with grace.

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