Heraldry in the Federated Commonwealth of Nations

## **Federated Heraldic Authority of the Federated Commonwealth of Nations**

The Federated Commonwealth of Nations (FCN) enjoys a rich and varied heraldic tradition drawing on Norman English and Iberian traditions while inserting its own flair and motifs. Generally speaking, it follows the basic Anglo-Gael tradition. In North Virginia, Anglo-Gael traditions are fused with indigenous themes. In the South Virginian [American] republics, Iberian, Gael-Dutch, and Incan tastes are often incorporated into their heraldry, while in East Asia and southern Africa, ancient traditional charges are frequently present. The Federated Heraldic Authority (FHA) was created in 1937 as part of the formation of the FCN in an effort to encourage an understanding and appreciation of heraldic art and traditions. Any citizen of FCN member states may apply for arms, but the process requires armigers to adhere to FHA guidelines. Blazons enjoy the same protections as copyrighted works. Variant emblazons belong to the same armiger and cannot be used by other armigers.Civic heraldry also plays a significant role. Nations, provinces, municipalities, corporations, and other public entities make and use arms.

### **Common Themes in FHA Tradition**

   As mentioned above, local flora and fauna as well as modern charges are common features distinguishing some FHA member arms from those of other traditions; however, armigers also often draw from Old World motifs, and (more recently) Asian motifs as well. From a traditionalist perspective, some arms may seem unusual, but the FHA works tirelessly to combine the best the world has to offer in making tasteful and distinctive arms.

FCN civil arms typically use a shield with a rounded base; however, each country’s arms will vary according to their own civil traditions.

Personal arms can vary more widely. These are typically done in a heater style, but they are not restricted to this style.

FHA Arms: (1936-37) similar to FCN arms but with shields instead of main charges

FCN Arms: (1936) something with bees and chevron

GNE (AKA Atlantica) Arms: (1780s, FCN charter member) Related to colonial New England arms.

Laurentia

Massachusetts

New Cambria [Newfoundland]

East Acadia [PEI]

Nova Scotia

West Acadia [New Brunswick/Madawaska]

Affiliated National Arms:

RA (1805, FCN charter member): Oval, wavy bend

Plains

Patagonia

Chile

Paraguay

EBSP (1806, admitted to FCN in 1938): likewise Oval, lozenge

East Bank

Riviera

Saint Catherine

Saint Paul

GC (1810, admitted to FCN \_\_\_\_): hexagons?

Panama

Colombia

Venezola

LC (1811, admitted to FCN \_\_\_\_): Andean hybrid

Quito

Incan Andeana (1811, admitted to FCN \_\_\_\_): multiple versions

Cuzco

Patacamaya

Red Nut Republic (1816, FCN charter member): Chevron (letter A), cashew nut

Amazona

Guyana

Manaos

Bethel (Belen)

Bay State (Bahia)

High Plains

Republic of Texas (1836, FCN charter member): star

Texas

Novo Mexico

Tsalagihi Ayeli

LCD (1846-7, FCN charter member): (something with a beehive and gold)

Lower California

Deseret

Serra Nevada

RMC (1880s, admitted to FCN \_\_\_\_): Indigenous motifs

Snake River

Red River

Diné

Southern Afrikan States (1860s-1897, admitted to FCN 1937):

Botswana

Lesotho

Namibia

South Africa

Swaziland

(FCN created ~1936)

Japan (admitted to FCN 1940s),

Manchuria (then North China, 1940s) (admitted to FCN 1940s),

Greater Joseon (admitted to FCN 1940s),

Republic of China (1940s, admitted to FCN 1970s)