Coat of Arms
« Azure, a tau cross or, charged with a tau cross gules, further charged, on the fess, with a ship’s wheel and two olive branches; on the pale, three fleurs-de-lis, all or; accompanied, on the dexter side, by a sprig of three fleurs-de-lis or, and on the sinister, by three stalks of bound wheat, of the same. »
Author: Abbé Lucien Godbout, 1990
Séminaire de Québec
To view the coat of arms in high resolution, click on the image.
EXPLANATION OF THE HERALDIC TERM
- Azure: Indicates the background (field) of the shield is entirely covered in the color azure (blue). The word comes from Persian lazaward, meaning the color of the sky. These expressions were brought back by the Crusaders.
- A tau: The tau cross is shaped by a vertical line (pale) and a horizontal one (fess). It evokes the gallows or the Hebrew cross, also known as Saint Anthony’s cross.
- Or: Gold is one of two heraldic metals (gold or silver) and is used here to follow heraldic rules: metal must be placed on color or color on metal. Gold stands for yellow and offers stronger symbolic meaning.
- Charged with: Indicates something is placed atop the main charge—here, another tau cross.
- A tau: A similar but smaller version of the golden tau cross, obeying heraldic principles of balance and simplicity. These are considered noble charges found in beautiful and ancient coats of arms.
- Gules: Heraldic term for red, from Persian goul, meaning animal mouths or red. Again respecting the rule of contrasting color and metal.
- Further charged: The red tau cross bears additional charges.
- On the fess: These charges are placed on the horizontal bar of the red tau.
- A ship’s wheel: Centered on the fess, sized proportionally.
- Two olive branches: Balanced around the wheel, placed horizontally to match the fess line.
- On the pale: Refers to the vertical line of the red tau.
- Three fleurs-de-lis: Positioned vertically and proportionally spaced. Historians say this symbol may originate from lance heads.
- All or: These additional charges are also rendered in gold for visual simplicity.
- Accompanied: Indicates that other objects are placed on either side of the golden tau, at the same height.
- Dexter: The right side (from the bearer’s perspective, left for the viewer)—traditionally the more honored position.
- A branch of three fleurs-du-lis: These are literal lilies, not the stylized lance heads. Spelled “fleurs-du-lis” to distinguish. King Louis VII may have introduced the triple spear design which evolved into “fleurs de lys.”
- Or: Again rendered in gold to preserve clarity and harmony.
- Sinister: The left side (bearer’s left, viewer’s right)—traditionally less noble, though its charges may equal or surpass the dexter side in beauty or meaning.
- Three wheat stalks: Used to balance the golden lilies on the opposite side.
- Bound: The three ears of wheat are tied together for visual and symbolic harmony.
- Of the same: This phrase avoids repetition by referring back to the last mentioned color or metal—in this case, gold.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Symbolism of the Coat of Arms Elements
- Field: The single field of azure represents the life journey of the ancestor, Olivier LeTardif, who sought to create a vibrant New France in Canada, as lively as the one he left behind.
- Honourable Charges: These arms are doubly ennobled by two tau crosses, resembling the Greek letter T, which symbolically echoes the family name, “Tardif.” They also recall the Cross of Saint Anthony—imparting a deep spiritual and familial connection.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Charges (Objects)
- Ship’s Wheel: Symbolizes Olivier LeTardif’s role as shipowner and captain. It evokes his strength and fearlessness as he navigated the treacherous waters of the Saint Lawrence River.
- Olive Branches: Represent the ancestor’s given name, Olivier—subtly highlighted within the shield.
- Fleurs-de-lis (3): Indicate the different branches of the Tardif family that originated from France.
- Sprig of Fleurs-du-lis (3): Refers to Olivier LeTardif’s prominent role in the Compagnie des Cents Associés, responsible for land distribution in New France. The company’s seal featured a woman holding a cross in one hand and a sprig of lilies in the other—hence, this sprig marks his affiliation with their mission.
- Wheat Sheaves: Illustrate the ancestor’s decision to settle permanently and cultivate the land, ensuring stability for his family.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Colors and Metals (Tinctures)
- Or (Gold): Symbolizes spirit and heart, truth and life. Like the sun, gold evokes vitality and generosity—qualities embodied by Olivier LeTardif, who nourished the faith and courage of Canada’s early settlers.
- Gules (Red): Represents courage, strength, charity, and love—virtues LeTardif needed to answer France’s call and face the challenges of New World life.
- Azure (Blue): A color that appears on both the French and Quebec flags. It evokes profound peace and inner life—an homage to the homeland and the legacy of New France.
Motto: “Faithful, Loyal, Just”
- Faithful: Olivier LeTardif remained faithful to his spiritual beliefs and to the King of France. He brought those traditions of charity and faith to New France.
- Loyal: As Justice of the Peace, he stood for honesty and integrity. We are called to emulate that loyalty toward our roots and the builders of our nation.
- Just: He strove to uphold citizens’ rights. His legacy challenges us to defend justice and respect the rights of others.