BARING ARMS
STORY BY MICHAEL TODD
Images by Nadia Molinari

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Creating a coat of arms isn't about slapping some fancy lettering, enigmatic Latin and nifty-looking pictures onto a shield. Not at all. Creating one's heraldic presence is a serious affair - whether you're a 40-year-old University like York or an aristocrat with a 1000-year-old lineage. In a way, coats of arms are a kind of ancient forerunner of our the modern-day trademark. In any case, there's always a story behind them. With that in mind, we offer you a glimpse into the evolution of York's own heraldic heritage.

"I hasten to explain awareness that I did not design the handsome stylised rose used by King Edward II, or the fabulous lions which are the result of centuries of design development, my only original contribution being the fabulous crest .                                            However, I take as your compliment the proper handling of symbols and colours according to the fine laws of heraldry." THE COAT OF ARMS York's arms were designed by Eric Aldwinkle who began working on them in 1960. The design was not finalized, however, until 1968. In an early exchange of letters between Aldwinkle and Dr. Murray Ross, York's first president, Ross suggests that York's colours be "red and white [so that they are] rather different from the University of Toronto's blue." Heraldry or "arms" is considered part of a nation's honours system and is regarded as an honour of the Crown. To be legitimate, arms must be granted by one of the Sovereign's heraldic officers. Since 1988 this power has been exercised by Canadian heralds operating as part of the Governor General's household. Anyone, or any institution, wishing to bear legitimate arms must petition the Chief Herald for a grant of arms. About 200 are awarded annually. There was some concern over the choice of the rose as the logo for York's sports teams. In 1968 at least one Board of Governor's member -- a Mr. Taylor -- thought if the rose was used it would lead to York's teams being labelled the "rosies." To eliminate this possibility, fellow BOG member H.B. Parkes suggested York announce the name of its football team before the "adoption of the symbol." He suggested naming York's inter-collegiate teams the "Yeomans [sic], or possibly the Mustangs or Redmen."