Sun (heraldry)
 |
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2009) |
A representation of the sun is used as a heraldic charge. The most usual form, often called sun in splendour or in his glory, consists of a round disc with the features of a human face, surrounded by twelve or sixteen rays, alternating wavy and straight.[1][2]
It is a common charge in the heraldry of many countries. It often appears as a rising sun or demi-sun.
It was used as a badge by Edward II of England, and was later adopted by Edward IV following the appearance of a parhelion or "sun dog" before his victory at the Battle of Mortimer's Cross in 1461.[2][3] It also had significance in alchemy, and may be a symbol of the Roman deity Sol Invictus (Unconquered Sun).[4] The alternating straight and wavy rays are often stated to represent the light and heat of the sun respectively.[5]
The Sun of May shown on the national flag of Uruguay has an identical form to the "Sun in Splendour".
Contents |
[edit] Examples
[edit] In splendour
-
Arms of Amelot family -
Arms of Arraincourt -
Arms of Auzeville-Tolosane -
Arms of Basse-Terre -
Arms of Bassurels -
Arms of Creisset -
Arms of Cuba (Portugal) -
Arms of Dole (Jura) -
Arms of Ennetbürgen -
Arms of Fontaines-Saint-Martin -
Arms of Känerkinden -
Arms of Loukov -
Arms of El Soleràs -
Arms of Tarnopol voivodship -
Arms of Vědomice -
Arms of Věžky
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
[edit] Other forms
-
Arms of Archena -
Arms of Arosa -
Arms of Barbâtre -
Arms of La Baule-Escoublac -
Arms of Beriáin -
Flag of the Colorado Party, in the Uruguayan Civil War -
Arms of Dobel -
Arms of Écija -
Arms of the Diocese of Gothenburg -
Arms of Galar -
Naval Ensign of Japan -
Arms of Jēkabpils District -
Arms of Mende -
Arms of Naantalin maalaiskunta -
Arms of Sankt Gilgen
.svg)
.svg)
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ James Parker, A glossary of terms used in heraldry. Accessed 13 December 2009
- ^ a b Dictionary of Vexillology. Accessed 13 December 2009
- ^ Encyclopaedia Britannica: Edward IV and the Alchemists. Accessed 13 December 2009
- ^ Banbury Faith Trail. Accessed 13 December 2009
- ^ Fox-Davies, A.C., (1969) A complete guide to heraldry. Aylesbury: Thomas Nelson and Sons. p. 222.
[edit] External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Sun in heraldry |
