[Alumna2]

So many coats of arms have a book or scroll on them. With e-books taking over, I see there will be a day when the archaic print object will need to be explained.

There can be so many meanings for the stars that appear on many crests and badges. Ursa Major gives a little clue for one group but not why it was dear to the founders. And then why are one, two, or three stars specifically important for the many other fraternal groups who have looked to the heavens?

The sword is the archaic symbol of manhood - yet it is prominent with several women's organizations.

So which symbol captured the hearts and minds of the most founders - stars, lamp, crescent, sword, lion, key, other? The quiver and fleur-de-lis were used by many groups that are no longer active and I think the six sided coffin shape was common with groups gone by.

Another interesting thing is that founders put mottos on crest banners in Greek or Latin at a time when Liberal Arts was THE degree. So, whatever we think, our founders did not intend these mottos to be secret.