The Robin
According to the legend, as Jesus was being crucified, a small bird (often depicted as a robin) flew to the scene. The bird saw Jesus in agony and wanted to help in some way. It flew to the crown of thorns and began plucking thorns from it, thus causing the bird’s breast to be stained with blood. It is said that the robin’s compassionate act of trying to alleviate Jesus’ suffering resulted in the bird’s red breast.
According to the legend you mentioned, the robin’s symbolic significance in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is associated with an act of compassion and care. The legend suggests that the robin, out of compassion for Jesus’ suffering, attempted to alleviate his pain by plucking thorns from the crown on his head during the crucifixion. As a result, the robin’s breast was stained with the blood of Jesus.
In this context, the robin can be seen as a symbol of compassion, selflessness, and empathy. The act of the robin trying to alleviate Jesus’ suffering reflects the values of care and concern for others, even in the face of great pain or adversity. This legend highlights sacrificial love and the importance of showing compassion towards others.
While this legend may not be universally recognised or widely accepted in Christian symbolism, some individuals may draw inspiration from it and interpret the robin as a reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and selfless acts of kindness in their faith and daily lives.
Suppose the crest depicts a robin holding a blue flag associated with Santo Stefano, the first martyr. In that case, it likely carries symbolic meaning specific to the individual or family related to the coat of arms.
Crests on coats of arms often represent personal attributes, achievements, or family heritage. As mentioned earlier, The robin can symbolise qualities such as watchfulness, cheerfulness, or perseverance. Santo Stefano (Saint Stephen) is recognised in Christianity as the first Christian martyr, known for his faith and his willingness to die for his beliefs. The blue flag could hold significance related to the individual’s connection to Santo Stefano, their devotion to the saint, or other symbolic associations related to faith, loyalty, or honour.
The Robin takes the flag of Santo Stefano, the village of origin of Dr Maurizio Bragagni.
The Saint George’s Cross is a prominent symbol associated with Saint George, the patron saint of England. It is a red cross on a white background, consisting of a vertical line (upright) intersecting a horizontal line (transverse). The symbolism of the Saint George’s Cross can vary depending on the context in which it is used:
- Saint George: The cross is named after Saint George, a Christian martyr widely revered in religious and cultural contexts. As the patron saint of England, Saint George’s Cross represents his association with the country and is used as a national symbol.
- England: The Saint George’s Cross is the flag of England and holds great importance in English identity and heritage. It is flown on St. George’s Day (April 23rd) and incorporated into the Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom, representing England within the larger Union.
- Christian Symbolism: In Christian symbolism, the cross generally represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. The Saint George’s Cross, in particular, is associated with Saint George’s martyrdom and his steadfast faith in the face of persecution.
- Chivalry and Knighthood: Saint George is also revered as a symbol of chivalry, honour, and bravery. The Saint George’s Cross is often associated with knightly virtues and can be found in the heraldry and iconography of various orders of knighthood.
It is important to note that the Saint George’s Cross is not limited to England, as it is used in various flags and emblems worldwide. For example, it appears in the flag of Georgia, the city of Barcelona in Spain, and several other regions and organisations.
Overall, the Saint George’s Cross represents Saint George, England, the Christian faith, and the ideals of chivalry and knighthood. Its symbolism varies depending on the specific context in which it is used.
If the coat of arms of the Bragagni family features a green stripe alongside the red and white of Saint George’s Cross, it could potentially be interpreted as a nod to Italy, given that the colours green, white, and red are associated with the Italian flag.
The Italian flag consists of three vertical stripes of green, white, and red from left to right. Each colour holds a symbolic meaning: green represents hope, white represents faith, and red represents charity and love. As the colours of the Italian flag are prominently displayed in the coat of arms, it could suggest a connection or affiliation with Italy.
However, it’s important to note that coat of arms designs are highly personalised. Without further context or information about the specific intentions or history of the Bragagni family’s coat of arms, it is challenging to determine the exact symbolism behind the green stripe alongside the red and white of Saint George’s Cross. The family may have incorporated these elements to represent their heritage, ancestry, or personal significance unrelated to Italy.
The Roses
The two roses featured on the coat of arms are significant and represent specific individuals within the family’s lineage.
The first rose, with four petals, represents the four daughters (Giulia Maria, Lucia Maria, Elena Maria and Anna) and the wife (Alessandra) of Dr. Bragagni. Each petal can symbolise one of the daughters or the wife, emphasising their importance and connection to the family.
The second rose, with five petals, represents the five generations alive when Dr. Bragagni was born. The five petals could symbolise Dr. Bragagni himself, his mother (Giovanan), his grandmother (Viviana), his great-grandmother (Giuseppa), and his great-great-grandmother (Emilia). This representation highlights the ancestral lineage and the significance of each generation in shaping the family’s heritage.
The Motto
“Nihil difficile volenti” is a Latin phrase that translates to “Nothing is difficult for the willing” in English.
Meaning: The phrase implies that with determination, willingness, and a positive mindset, one can overcome any challenge or obstacle. It emphasises the power of a determined and motivated individual to achieve their goals, suggesting that a firm will, can conquer difficulties.
Source: The phrase is a Latin aphorism and does not have a specific attributed source. Latin phrases were commonly used in various contexts, including literature, philosophy, and mottoes. “Nihil difficile volenti” reflects the optimistic mindset and determination prevalent in Roman and classical philosophy, highlighting the importance of one’s mindset and willpower in achieving success.
The Badge
“Environed by a Branch of Olive and a Branch of Oak stems crossed in saltire in base proper fructed Or, a Robin proper.” This means the badge consists of a proper-coloured (natural) robin bird surrounded by a crossed olive branch and an oak branch in the shape of an X, placed at the bottom of the badge. The branches are depicted as having stems crossed in the shape of a saltire (an X). The whole badge is displayed with proper (natural) colours. Describe the meaning
Based on your description, the badge granted to the Bragagni family consists of a robin bird surrounded by a crossed olive branch and oak branch, depicted in the shape of an X, known as a saltire. Here’s a description of the potential symbolism behind the elements:
- Robin: The robin is a bird with watchfulness, cheerfulness, and perseverance. It can symbolise vigilance, joy, and hard work, reflecting positive attributes and values that the family may hold dear.
- Olive Branch: The olive branch has symbolised peace, reconciliation, and hope since ancient times. Its inclusion in the badge may suggest the family’s desire for harmony, unity, and peaceful interactions within their relationships or the broader community.
- Oak Branch: The oak branch often represents strength, endurance, and stability. It symbolises resilience and the ability to weather challenges. Including the oak branch may signify the family’s strength, rootedness, and determination in adversity.
- Crossed Stems: The stems of the olive and oak branches are crossed in the shape of a saltire, forming an X. The saltire is a diagonal cross often associated with bravery, honour, and martyrdom. It can represent the family’s courage, integrity, and willingness to stand up for their beliefs.
Overall, the badge’s imagery may convey a message of vigilance, joy, perseverance, peace, strength, and honour. It is important to note that the specific symbolism behind the badge may have personal meaning to the Bragagni family, reflecting their values, history, or aspirations.
Suppose the oak and olive symbolise the Republic of San Marino. In that case, their inclusion in the badge represents a connection between the Bragagni family and San Marino.
As symbols of San Marino, the oak and olive branches could signify a link to the republic’s values, heritage, or history. San Marino is known for its longstanding traditions of democracy, peace, and independence. Including these symbols in the badge suggests a connection to those principles and may reflect the family’s ties to San Marino.
By incorporating these symbols into their badge, the Bragagni family may emphasise their association with San Marino and express pride in their connection to the republic’s values and culture. It can serve as a visual representation of their heritage and a way to honour their roots in San Marino.
The border
The hand-drawn border of the coat of arms is adorned with flowers representing the symbols of Wales, England (including the Tudors and the Stuarts), Scotland, and Ireland. At the base of the border, there are two Labradors, the dogs of Dr. Bragagni, on the left, and on the right, the Royal Burmese cat named Camilla, belonging to the family.
Here is the description in English, specifying the symbolic flowers of the mentioned countries:
The hand-drawn border of the coat of arms features specific flowers symbolising the following countries:
- Wales: The national flower of Wales is the daffodil (Narcissus). It represents renewal, springtime, and Welsh pride.
- England: The Tudor rose is a heraldic symbol representing England. It combines the red rose of the House of Lancaster and the white rose of the House of York, symbolising the Union of the two houses and the end of the Wars of the Roses.
- Scotland: The national flower of Scotland is the thistle (Onopordum acanthium). It symbolises resilience, bravery, and defence.
- Ireland: The national flower of Ireland is the shamrock (Trifolium dubium or Trifolium repens). It is associated with St. Patrick and represents Irish heritage, luck, and the Holy Trinity.
In addition to these symbolic flowers, the border of the coat of arms includes:
- two Labradors, Zeus and Arthur
- representing Dr Bragagni’s dogs and the Royal Burmese cat Camilla
- representing a beloved feline member of the family