Wikipedia

Coat of arms of Aberdeen

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Penguinee (talk | contribs) at 08:12, 15 May 2007 (moved Symbols and mottos of Aberdeen to Heraldry of Aberdeen). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

The Symbols and mottos of Aberdeen, Scotland represent its long history and people.

File:Aberdeen-coa.png
Aberdeen's coat of arms
Aberdeen's flag

The image of three castles is often present, particulalry in the flag and coat of arms of the city. The symbol has been around since the time of Robert the Bruce and represents the three castles that used to stand on the three hills of Aberdeen; Aberdeen Castle on Windmill Hill (today's castlegate); a castle on Castle Hill and a third castle on St. Catherine's Hill (now levelled).[1]

Conversely the image of a single castle, rather than the triple, is often used in the city. Notably they can be seen in the city educational institutions of Aberdeen Grammar School, Robert Gordons College and the University of Aberdeen.

Bon Accord, is the motto of the city and is French literally for "Good Agreement". Legend tells that its use dates from the 14th century password used by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence, when he and his men laid siege to Aberdeen Castle before destroying it in 1308 and massacring the English Garrison, retaking Aberdeen for the townspeople. The secret phrase to initiate the campaign was "Bon Accord".[2]

The city's toast is "Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again", this has been commonly misinterpreted as the translation of Bon Accord.[3] The motto should also not be confused with that of Aberdeen Grammar School, which is Bon Record.

The coat of arms have displayed displayed on the city's coat of arms since 1430[4]. It can be seen with two lepoards holding up a shielf, which is a variaton of the cities flag which has three castles detailed in white on a red background, with a white double lined border around the outside.

References

  1. ^ Gazetter for Scotland. "Aberdeen City". Retrieved 2007-05-15.
  2. ^ Keith, Alexander (1987). A Thousand Years of Aberdeen. Aberdeen: Aberdeen University Press.
  3. ^ "Aberdeen Official Guide". Aberdeen City Council. Retrieved 2007-02-17.
  4. ^ "New Tolbooth exhibition puts unique spotlight on Aberdeen's castle". 2006. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
 

This article related to Aberdeen, Scotland, is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coat_of_arms_of_Aberdeen&oldid=130986113"