85px|The coat of arms of Canada as depicted in 1957
Canadian heraldry is the cultural tradition and style of coats of arms and other heraldic achievements in modern and historic Canada. Derived mainly from heraldic traditions in France and the United Kingdom, Canadian heraldry also incorporates distinctly Canadian symbols, especially native flora and fauna, references to the First Nations and other aboriginal peoples of Canada, and uniquely Canadian elements such as the Canadian pale, derived from the Canadian flag. In 1988, governance of both personal and corporate heraldry in Canada was patriated from the heraldic authorities in England and Scotland with the formation of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, which now has exclusive jurisdiction over granting awards of arms in Canada. Coats of arms are used throughout Canada by all levels of government, in many cases including royal insignia as a mark of authority. All citizens of Canada have the right to petition for an award of arms, as do other entities including businesses and religious institutions. The granting of arms is regarded as an honour from the monarch, via the Governor General, and thus are bestowed only on those whom the Chief Herald has deemed worthy of receiving a grant of arms. (more...)
Recently featured: Californium – Painted turtle – 1949 Ambato earthquake
Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Read the rest of this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_heraldry
_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1864:
American Civil War: Confederate forces unsuccessfully attacked Union troops at the Battle of Atlanta. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Atlanta
1894:
Despite finishing in first place in the world's first auto race, Jules-Albert de Dion did not win, as his steam-powered car was against the rules. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jules-Albert_de_Dion
1977:
After having been removed from power by the Gang of Four the year before, Deng Xiaoping returned to leadership positions within the Communist Party of China. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deng_Xiaoping
1992:
Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar escaped from his luxurious private prison and would spent the next 17 months on the run. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Escobar
2005:
London metropolitan police killed Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazilian immigrant, after misidentifying him as being involved in the previous day's failed bombing attempts. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Jean_Charles_de_Menezes
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
contumely (n): Offensive language or behaviour; insult, scorn http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/contumely
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
There was no pain when I awoke,
No pain at all. Rest, like a goad, Spurred my eyes open — and light broke
Upon them like a million swords: And she was there. There are no words.
Heaven is for a moment's span. And ever. --Stephen Vincent Benét http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Stephen_Vincent_Ben%C3%A9t