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STORIES THROUGH PICTURES

What Is a Coat of Arms?

In the past, a coat of arms was a design, usually on a shield, created to represent a certain person, family,
kingdom or country. A coat of arms contained images and symbols that told something about the owner.
Today, many businesses, sports teams, companies and even schools have a coat of arms that represents them.
Look out for them on items such as flags, uniforms and signage.

Ireland Henry Family Galway

Ireland: The coat of arms The Henry Family coat of arms: Galway: The old County
of Ireland with the symbol The Henry Family coat of arms with Galway coat of arms refers to
of each Irish province; their motto ‘Vincet Veritas, which means Galway’s connection to the
Connaught, Munster, Ulster ‘Truth will Win; it tells us that truth and sea with the lion symbolising
and Leinster. integrity are important virtues in the strength and courage.
Henry family.

Over To You

• Design your own coat of arms: Think of some symbols to represent who you are. Draw a shield or use an
online template and fill it with symbols that say something about you. You could include clues to where you
come from, such as a shamrock for Ireland or a landmark from your town or city. Use your favourite
colours. You could incorporate your hobbies, your family, your favourite animals or foods.

• Create a motto: Many coats of arms also have a motto, usually in Latin. The Benedictine nuns have their
own mottos too and they use them to guide their lives together as a community. The motto ‘Ora et Labora’
means ‘Pray and Work’ and it reminds the nuns to always have a balance of these two as they pray and work
together every day. Create a short motto and add it to your coat of arms in a banner along the bottom or
top.

Use an online
translation app
to find the Latin
version of your
new motto!

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