900 years of heraldry: 10th June of 2027 – 10th June of 2028

One 10 June in 1127, or perhaps in 1128 according to other authors, the young Geoffrey of Anjou, betrothed to Matilda, daughter of Henry I of England, received from the King the arms «Azure, six lions rampant Or, 3, 2 and 1», linked to his knighting and his betrothal. It is considered the first documented coat of arms in history, although academic debate remains open.

The date of 10 June has gained value for the international heraldic community because since 2013 the International Day of Heraldry has been celebrated on that day, following a proposal by the Polish heraldic community through its representatives Tomasz Steifer and Pawel S. Towpik. On this day, armigers from all over the world publish the coat of arms of the day «Azure, an oak tree eradicated Argent surmounted by a lion couchant guardant Or» or display their own arms on social networks.

Modern historiography notes that both the account of the gift and the funerary enamel on the tomb of Geoffrey of Anjou, also known as Geoffrey Plantagenet, in the cathedral of Le Mans were produced years after his death in 1151. As Michel Pastoureau observed, these later testimonies do not allow us to state with certainty that Geoffrey actually used that shield in life. Even so, his image remains the symbolic starting point of heraldry, first European and now global.

With the approach of this 9^th centenary, and with heraldry active and widely shared through the Internet, the international heraldic community has the opportunity to prepare a global commemoration. Between 10 June 2027 and 10 June 2028, the span that covers 900 years from the two traditional dates, a cycle of events, exhibitions and publications could take place across different countries and heraldic traditions. It would be a moment to recall 9 centuries of arms, identities and collective memory.

Such a cycle could travel around the world and conclude at the cathedral of Saint Julien in Le Mans, where Geoffrey rests. The approximate coincidence with the dates of the 24 Hours of Le Mans could offer a final gesture, with some racing teams incorporating heraldic elements into their cars, especially as winning brands such as Porsche or Ferrari already bear them.

Heraldry Ireland, a Specialist Branch of the Genealogical Society of Ireland, calls on heraldic societies worldwide to work together in the organisation and hosting of a shared series of commemorations for 900 years of heraldry from 10th June 2027 to 10th June 2028.

Dr. Antonio Salmerón Cabanas, SHA, FGSI,
Honorary Herald of the Genealogical Society of Ireland.

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Gyronny Azure and Argent, on a hurt, a triquetra Argent; a bordure Sable.

The arms of Kimberly Louise Severson designed by her and emblazoned by me in 3 steps: proportions, delineation, and flat tinctures. This construction scheme is for a pointed shield, her favourite shape, and the one used in most interpretations of her arms. In this coat of arms, I use the optical centre of the shield rather than its geometric centre, placing it slightly above the latter.

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Blazon keywords: Azure, Argent, Sable, One, Gyronny, Hurt, Celtic Trinity knot, Knot and Bordure.

Style keywords: Ratio, Outlined, Outlined in sable, Plain tincture and Pointed.

Classification: Personal, Interpreted, Schema, Boa and Coat of arms.

Bearer: Severson, Kimberly Louise.

Gyronny Azure and Argent, on a hurt, a triquetra Argent; a bordure Sable.

The arms of Kimberly Louise Severson designed by her and emblazoned by me in 3 steps: proportions, delineation, and flat tinctures. This construction scheme is for a shield terminating in an ogee arch. In this coat of arms, I use the optical centre of the shield rather than its geometric centre, placing it slightly above the latter.

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Blazon keywords: Azure, Argent, Sable, One, Gyronny, Hurt, Celtic Trinity knot, Knot and Bordure.

Style keywords: Ratio, Outlined, Outlined in sable and Plain tincture.

Classification: Personal, Interpreted, Schema, Boa and Coat of arms.

Bearer: Severson, Kimberly Louise.

Gyronny Azure and Argent, on a hurt, a triquetra Argent; a bordure Sable.

Escudo gironado de azur y plata, un roel de azur, cargado de una triquetra de plata; una bordura de sable.

Coat of arms emblazoned by me, highlighted with lights and shadows, outlined in Sable, and with a freehand finishing.

The arms of Kimberly Louise Severson designed by her and emblazoned by me. Blazon in French: «Gironné d’azur et d’argent chargé d’un tourteau d’azur surchargé d'une triqueta d’argent; à la bordure de sable».

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Blazon keywords: Azure, Argent, Sable, One, Gyronny, Hurt, Celtic Trinity knot, Knot and Bordure.

Style keywords: Outlined in sable, Illuminated and Freehand.

Classification: Personal, Interpreted, Boa and Coat of arms.

Bearer: Severson, Kimberly Louise.

Gyronny Azure and Argent, on a hurt, a triquetra Argent; a bordure Sable.

Escudo gironado de azur y plata, un roel de azur, cargado de una triquetra de plata; una bordura de sable.

Arms interpreted by me, highlighted with lights and shadows, outlined in Sable, with a pointed outer contour and with a watercolor finish.

The arms of Kimberly Louise Severson designed by her and emblazoned by me. In the text of this blazon, I have used the term «Triquetra» ~ «Triquetra», which is identical in both English and Castilian, in order to maintain consistency with other previously registered blazons and descriptions of these arms. Personally, however, I usually prefer the term «Celtic Trinity knot» ~ «Nudo celta de la Trinidad», which is also the term I use in the keywords. Alternative blazon: «Gyronny Azure and Argent, on a hurt, a Celtic Trinity knot Argent; a bordure Sable».

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Blazon keywords: Azure, Argent, Sable, One, Gyronny, Hurt, Celtic Trinity knot, Knot and Bordure.

Style keywords: Outlined in sable, Illuminated, Pointed and Watercolor.

Classification: Personal, Interpreted, Boa and Coat of arms.

Bearer: Severson, Kimberly Louise.

Gyronny Azure and Argent, on a hurt, a triquetra Argent; a bordure Sable. Crest: Upon a wreath Argent and Azure, a mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) volant proper.

Coat of arms emblazoned by me, highlighted with lights and shadows, outlined in Sable, with a pointed external shape and with a rough finishing.

The arms of Kimberly Louise Severson designed by her and emblazoned by me.

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Blazon keywords: Azure, Argent, Sable, One, Gyronny, Hurt, Celtic Trinity knot, Knot, Bordure, Crest, Upon (wreath), Wreath, Mountain bluebird, Volant and Proper.

Style keywords: Outlined in sable, Illuminated, Pointed and Rough.

Classification: Personal, Interpreted, Boa and Coat of arms.

Bearer: Severson, Kimberly Louise.

Gyronny Azure and Argent, on a hurt, a triquetra Argent; a bordure Sable. Crest: Upon a helm with a wreath Argent and Azure, a mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) volant proper. Mantling: Azure doubled Argent.

Coat of arms interpreted by me, illuminated with lights and shadows, contoured in Sable, with a pointed outer contour and with a rough finish.

Design rationale

These arms communicate several aspects of the armiger's identity, including her Christian faith, her participation in music, particularly vocal music, and her love of art and writing. The «Triquetra», more commonly known as the «Celtic Trinity knot», alludes to the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Azure and Argent, the armiger's favourite colours, symbolize spirituality and purity. The mountain bluebird represents vocal music through its song, while its feathers also evoke the quills traditionally associated with art and writing. The bordure Sable symbolizes a safe and protected space.

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Blazon keywords: Azure, Argent, Sable, One, Gyronny, Hurt, Celtic Trinity knot, Knot, Bordure, Crest, Upon (wreath), Helm, Wreath, Mountain bluebird, Volant, Proper and Mantling.

Style keywords: Outlined in sable, Illuminated, Pointed and Rough.

Classification: Personal, Interpreted, Boa and Coat of arms.

Bearer: Severson, Kimberly Louise.

On a hurt a lion's footprint Argent. Supporters: Two Easter lilies proper.

Heraldic device interpreted by me, illuminated with lights and shadows, outlined in Sable, with a circular outer contour and with a rough finish.

The heraldic badge of Kimberly Louise Severson designed by her and emblazoned by me. I have painted 3 heraldic badges for Kimberly Louise Severson: the first featuring 2 Easter lilies and Aslan's paw print, the second featuring a cross bottony, and the third, rather than a heraldic badge, depicting her earliest personal emblem with a harp and other elements. This is the first badge I painted for her.

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Blazon keywords: Azure, Argent, Or, Vert, One, Two, Hurt, Charged, Lion, Footprint, Supporter, Easter lily, Flower, Lily and Proper.

Style keywords: Outlined in sable, Illuminated, Round and Rough.

Classification: Personal, Interpreted, Boa and Badge.

Bearer: Severson, Kimberly Louise.

Continue with: Standard of Kimberly Louise Severson.