My Family Crest
By John W. Healy

John Healy's nephew Shane (left) and niece Stephanie (right) redesign the family crest. Shane's version (above).

A family crest doesn't necessarily have to be reserved solely for the independently wealthy. This art form expresses to all, how a particular family would like to be known and is a symbol of an ongoing tradition. The family crest is then passed from one succeeding generation to another, achieving a certain immortality.

Taking a trip backwards
Historically, European family crests originated in the 11th century. They were designed by artists who were directed and influenced by family members. To an embellished degree, the family crest evolved into the coat of arms. Elements used in the art represented cutting-edge technologies and popular symbols of the day. A diversity of elements in a family crest represented the family's role in society as well as their particular interests. The latest in implements of war such as shields, axes, armor and swords were very popular. Other technologies used in the "work-a-day world" of that ancient time, such as anvils, agricultural tools and anchors were also used. Animals as universal symbolic expression of strength and courage such as lions, bears and wild boars broadened the subject material represented in a crest. A verbal slogan is another factor that was added to this imaginative mix.

Three big boars
As children, my brother Bill and I discovered a Healy crest in a book of European family crests. Perhaps it was ours, but I doubt it. The name Healy is not uncommon in Ireland and England. Listening to our family stories, I have the impression that my ancestors were preoccupied with survival rather than having the means or inclination to invest in this kind of extravagance. We both agreed that our family crest was somewhat misleading and didn't communicate who we are as a family.

Our family crest in question, was the side view of three wild boars, facing in the same direction on a Medieval shield. Each boar had a short, curled tusk protruding above its lower lip. One boar as a symbol for our family was somewhat disconcerting, let alone three identical ones.

In view of all this, the hardest association to handle is the name of the animal. Language is intended to be specific. Words that sound the same but are spelled differently can be misleading when spoken. The word boar for the animal is pronounced the same way as the name for those who burden others with volumes of boring, ponderous discourse. As far as family stories go, it's been said, "I know who one or two of the boars are, but who's the third?" That's it! This family crest had to go.

Who will update the Healy crest?
My brother's son and daughter became the ideal candidates to assume such a responsibility. Shane, age 11 and his sister Stephanie, age 13, became my chosen artists. They were overflowing with infinite questions about the world and vocal about their wealth of newly-acquired knowledge. Does this sound familiar to you? So it was decided, Shane and Stephanie will communicate to the world, what the American Healy family is all about.

Steps to take in the classroom

1. Start with pencil and white paper. Instruct your students to design a detailed drawing of their family crest.
2. Original historical family crests are products of their time. Students should incorporate imagery that's relevant to their family's life.
3. Consider a variety of shapes for the family crest – circles, ellipses, triangles – the choices are endless.
4. Students represent their family name in their crest. Contemporary lettering styles and script may be used. A number of my students are quite adroit in their use of bubble letters and graffiti.
5. Colors and patterns used in the crest should represent the part of the world you live in. How beautiful the red stone of Sedona, AZ, the emerald green of the Adirondacks and the turquoise blue of Florida!
6. A family motto is a clear and memorable verbal component to a family crest. Have your students let their crests resound with meaning for their family.

Conclusion
The process of creating one's own family crest is a search for one's own identity. In the context of our family, it asks us the question, "Who are we and where are we going?"

A family crest is capable of holding a limited amount of information without looking "busy." This would lose the viewer's attention. What then is most important about our family? This question will focus your students on their core identity, visualizing through art that which is so important in their collective lives as members of a family.

Dr. John W. Healy teaches art at Woodland Middle School, East Meadow, NY.

January, 2005, Vol.35, No.4