The Douglas Archives

A collection of historical and genalogical records

I received a request today for more information on the use of the three stars on the Douglas coat arms.

Here is an explanation:

A star depicted on a coat of arms, in some cases, may represent a falling star and denote a divine quality bestowed from above, whereby men shine in virtue like bright stars on the earth. The star symbolizes honor, achievement and hope. Stars with wavy points are emblems of God's goodness, or some other eminence that elevated the first bearer above the common people. Stars, estoiles and mullets are often confused because of their similarity, which is not helped by the fact that no definite lines have ever officially been followed regarding their specific differences. In England stars with wavy rays are called estoiles, when they are straight they are called mullets, and technically there is no such thing as a star. A mullet has five points unless another number is specified, which it often is, but an estoile can have any number so one must be provided. However, in Scotland the distinction between a mullet and a star is that a mullet is pierced, which actually makes it a spur-revel, and a star is whole. In France the definition of a mullet is different yet again; this time, it has no less than six points
http://www.houseofnames.com/xq/asp/keywo…
Star (estoile or mullet) Celestial goodness; noble person; Excellence--http://www.fleurdelis.com/meanings.htm

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Comment by Russell Lynn Drysdale on October 7, 2011 at 4:40

is it reference to the solstice ?

Good shopping you have done it seems .

Comment by William Douglas on August 27, 2011 at 13:50

Browsing in an antique shop last week, I found a copy of Nisbet's 'System of Heraldry'.   Suffice to say, it is no longer in the antique shop!

However, I did not find anything more on 'stars' than we already know.

Making conections

The more information you can give about the people you mention, the more chance there is of someone else connecting with your family.

Dates and places of births, deaths and marriages all help to place families.

Professions also help.

'My great-grandmother mother was a Douglas from Montrose' does not give many clues to follow up! But a bit of flesh on the bones makes further research possible. But if we are told who she married, what his profession was and where the children were baptised, then we can get to work.

Maybe it is time to update the information in your profile?


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