Monday, March 30, 2009

The Ramirez Family Crest


The Ramirez Family Crest
The Ramirez family crest has been researched through the most recognized sources. Before an artist or craftsman can render a family crest, it must exist. In other words, the crest must have been designed and recorded by the heralds from time immemorial.

The Elements Of The Crest

The Family crest is just part of the story of Coats of Arms or Heraldry and of very ancient origin. These insignia were the reward of personal merit and could be secured by the humblest as well as the highest. They are testimonials of bravery and heroism. Arms:

Shields were painted with one or more bands of color used in with other figures or symbols: E.g. beasts, birds, fish, flowers, etc. Heraldry was rapidly enriched through the constant necessity to achieve distinction.

Crest:

This device was worn on top of the helmet and was usually made of wood, metal or boiled leather. It provided the double advantage of easy identification for the wearer. In heraldry today, the crest and arms are usually displayed together.

Motto:

The motto generally evolved from the watchword or war-cry of the family. Often the motto contained an allusion to a memorable event in the family history.

Torse Or Wreath:

The torse was formed by two pieces of silk twisted together by the lady who chose the bearer for her knight and was used to hold the crest and mantling in place on the helm. The tinctures of the torse are always those of the principal metal and color of the arms.

Helm:

These varied in shape in different ages and countries and always in the case of titled arms. The Esquire Helm as depicted in family arms is always with a closed visor and facing to the left.

Mantling:

The mantling was spread over and draped from the helmet and served as protection “to repel the extremities of wet, cold and heal and to preserve the amour of rust”. The numerous cuts and slits indicated that it had been torn and hacked in the field of battle.

Where Did The Ramirez Name Emerge?From the Historical and enchanting region of Spain emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Ramirez family. The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Spain were the patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father's given name, and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the mother's given name. Spanish patronymic names emerged as early as the mid-9th century and the most common patronymic suffix is "ez". The patronyms were derived from a variety of given names that were of many different origins. The surname Ramirez is derived from the popular Spanish personal name Ramirez, which is a pet form of the first name Ramon, which means wise ruler or wise protector. Some of the first settlers of this name or some of its variants were among the earliest explorers of the New World was Luis Ramirez, who voyaged to the Rio de la Plata region of Argentina in 1528 and documented his travels in the form of a journal. Also of note was Melchoir Ramirez, who joined an expedition to Argentina and survived, being shipwrecked off the coast of Brazil. Other members of the family who were early emigrants to Spain's colonies in the New World included Cristobal, who emigrated to Peru in 1560.

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