Meaning of the Holiday family crest symbols
Torse
The torse was originally used to mask the join between helmet and crest but also holds a secondary meaning as a momento given to a crusader by his lady-love, given to him when he left for battle.
Bird - Martlet/Martlette
The martlet bird is a symbol of the speed and agility of family members to act quickly and decisively when needed. They represent the swiftness of thought and action that is necessary to protect and care for one's family.
Meaning of the Holiday coat of arms colors
Silver
The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.
Red
The red color (known as Gules) traditionally symbolized martyrdom and the historic military strength of family members when called upon in times of war.
Holiday name meaning and origin
Holiday is an interesting surname with roots in Old English. It's derived from the term 'holy day', which was often given to a person who was born on a significant religious holiday. In Europe, particularly in England, it was a common practice to name a child after the day or event they were born on. So, a person bearing the surname Holiday might trace their lineage back to an ancestor born on a special day.
History of family crests like the Holiday coat of arms
Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.
The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.
The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.
Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.
Holiday name variations and their meaning
The family name Holiday has various variations across different regions and cultures. In some cases, it is spelled as Holliday, with an additional "l" in the middle. This variation is commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. Another variation is Holladay, which is more prevalent in the southern states of the US. This spelling change may have occurred due to regional accents or dialects. Additionally, there are variations such as Holladi, Hollidai, and Hollidé, which may be influenced by different languages or cultural backgrounds. These variations could be the result of immigration or intermarriage with individuals from diverse ethnicities. It is interesting to note how the spelling of a family name can evolve and adapt over time, reflecting the cultural and linguistic influences of different generations. Regardless of the variation, the name Holiday remains a unique and distinctive surname.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
