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THE BUCK/STAG

symbol of wisdom

The Stag is the male deer; the male of the hind. As an emblem it is indicative of life (fabled to live over 1000 years), symbol of wisdom, regeneration and growth, and virility. Because its antlers resemble branches, the Stag has been associated with the 'Tree of Life' and because of the way it renews its antlers, it is used as a symbol of regeneration. During the Middle Ages, the Stag was often shown with a crucifix between its horns where, in Christianity, it represented purity and solitude and was the enemy of Satan, the serpent. The Celts believed the Stag guided souls through the darkness (the world for departed souls). The stag also was associated with warriors and hunting in Celtic culture and in Greco-Roman mythology where it was an animal sacred to Artemis. In Buddhism, the golden stag represents knowledge and the Chinese regard it as a symbol of virility and happiness.

 

Heraldic writers say of the Stag: "One who will not fight unless provoked, a lover of music and harmony who well foresees his times and opportunities". The Vikings used the stag as a symbol of royal status and the Romans used it as an icon of masculine values.

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THE BEACON

Mariners' symbol of hope

From the Saxon 'becnian' meaning 'beckon' or come together; the Mariners' symbol of hope. Betoken on one who is watchful, or who gave the signal in time of danger. The modern-day lighthouse is a symbol of the latter.

 

A pole used as a standard or ensign set on the tops of mountains as a call to the people to assemble themselves for some great national purpose

BAY LEAVES

the victor's laurel.

A wreath of bay was conferred on the Poet; it is also the victor's laurel. The bay was anciently considered, as well as the olive, a sign of peace, and a branch of it borne between contending armies betokened an immediate cessation of hostilities. But it was pre-eminently the symbol of victory. Despatches from a victorious army to the Roman senate were usually bound up in bay leaves; ships, tents, the fasces of the general, the swords and javelins of the soldiers, were decorated with them; while the victorious general himself wore around his brows the coveted wreath. Garlands of bay/laurel were bestowed upon the successful competitors at the Pythian games. A wreath of bay leaves was also worn by the priestess of Delphi, and one of her incantations consisted in chewing some of the leaves and throwing them into the sacred fire. It was believed that the bay tree, being under the especial protection of Jupiter, was never subject to any danger from his thunderbolts. The victor's garland and the poet's crown. Symbol of victory, recognition, peace.

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Sir George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland

(8 August 1558 – 30 October 1605) was an English peer, as well as a naval commander and courtier in the court of Queen Elizabeth I.

 

Clifford was born at Brougham Castle in Westmorland.[3] Son of the 2nd Earl of Cumberland, Henry Clifford, he was orphaned by his father's death in 1570. Clifford subsequently succeeded to his father's titles. His guardianship was granted to the second Earl of Bedford, who married the young Clifford to his daughter Lady Margaret Russell in 1577.

 

Clifford rose in the world as an accomplished jouster, becoming Queen Elizabeth's second champion on the retirement of Sir Henry Lee.

 

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