Our Canadian coat of arms features the same lion and unicorn imagery, since Britain's monarch is also the Canadian head of state.
The imposing main entrance of Canada's parliament buildings in Ottawa is flanked by larger-than-life statues of the heraldic lion and unicorn:
I suppose the lion is roaring and the unicorn is . . . whinnying? I don't know what sound unicorns are traditionally supposed to make but something horse-like would seem to be most likely.
These serious unicorns represent purity of heart, freedom and the ancient right of kings. They do not fart rainbows and glitter like today's silly unicorns. Sometimes it's important to remember their original dignity and symbolism.
[First photo is from the internet; all others taken by Debra She Who Seeks in Ottawa, 2010]
33 comments:
Fascinating story and statues. They are, indeed, very powerful looking.
Mary
D, seriously, for real...check this out: http://news.yahoo.com/rarely-seen-asian-unicorn-caught-camera-171513191.html?soc_src=mediacontentsharebuttons
true for true, I just wish the unicorns tongue wasn't lolling out of its mouth, it doesn't add to its beauty.
you almost don't even notice the unicorn in the artwork until someone points it out.
such an interesting info, Debs! I didn't know there was a Scottish unicorn and I love the explanation of the meaning and symbolism
I just knew the Unicorn had to have Scottish origins!!! (I am of Scottish descent) And the Scots were definitely known for their fierceness!
great info as always. Scotlands kings, not that they had much of a choice in their circumstance at the time, didn't really want the unicorn to represent them all on the new symbol. But the unicorn came to represent many strong and heroic deeds to the Scots. If you look at the thistle and the unicorn as the thorny joiners that the Scots became then you can see the logic. There's more than one Scotsman in my family tree. Thanks for you photos and your info. Oma Linda
Ha, that unicorn is making the face my dog makes when he's worn out from running. Very cool statues. That lion is incredibly menacing-looking.
I have a faded unicorn tattoo on my shoulder left over from a bad decision I made in the 80s. I was in a heavy unicorn phase. LOL!
I think I want to go to Ottawa.
Yes dignified unicorns and just because their tounge is out does not mean they are "twerking" like Miley Cyrus
OMG now I know where Miley got the tongue pose from!! Classy! :D
I prefer the Lion, he's a little more macho. :D
We've toured around Ottawa a few times and I don't think I've ever noticed these statues. Shame on me! I was likely herding kids at the time, and likely missed most of my surroundings... will have to pay better attention next time!
love the statues but the unicorn looks like it is about to hurl!
Yes, unicorns have gotten silly over the years. Their true symbolism is actually quite impressive.
You know, I never really noticed the unicorn on the coat of arms. I thought it was a horse!
Seriously my husband is from Scottish roots. He's kinda proud of that.
The statues are really regal looking. Although I think the lion is using the shield to ... well never mind. The unicorn looks like it's laughing at the lion.
Awesome images, SWS! Unicorns have always fascinated me! I think of them in a serious sense; but, as a third grade teacher, I saw over and over that a unicorn with a rainbow was the favorite thing for a third grade girl to draw and color! Closely followed by butterflies!
Thanks for the background! I think that is so cool. We just have old white guys and Masonic symbols.
Yeah, that unicorn doesn't look remotely like the farting rainbow type. He/She looks like he/she would bite your head off, given the least provocation... ;o)
I like the old-school unicorns better, myself.
Great photos Debra! And thanks for the 'history tune-up'!!
That lion and unicorn are quite imposing figures,eh?
Both faeries and unicorns have been made into playthings. Neither are. But putting seriousness aside, and being a cheeky American to boot, I think that unicorn looks like it's saying, "Blaaaaaah." Probably it hasn't been happy since James I.
Excellent information Deb! Thank you!
Hmmm, I don't know, to me it looks like that unicorn is not so much whinneying, but coughing up glitter and rainbows... x
The unicorn looks like it is being choked with its bulging eyes and tongue hanging out.
I love what Scarlett SAid! LOL! Great info Debra, my Scottish family crest only has a boring deer head. ;(
Quite right and awesome post. Love the serious unicorns.
I too am of Scottish heritage, and love the idea of Scottish unicorns. I believe their natural diet is haggis. Fact!
Great photos of the two statues, those must be amazing to see in person!
Hail, the mighty unicorn!
Those statues are gorgeous. I love architecture like that. Thanks for sharing them with us, Deb.
I've never seen the coat of arms. It's very elaborate. I like it, along with the statues.
xoRobyn
That is interesting. I had never noticed the unicorns. I am sure that at some point, I have seen the coat of arms, but I never paid enough attention to notice the unicorn.
I really want to run over and stick something in that Unicorn's mouth.
It's so derpy looking.
I just read all your comments and I was surprised that no one mentioned "The Glass Menagerie".
You should read it, it's good.
I am disappointed: I thought unicorns did fart rainbows. Now you tell me they are just a horse with a horn.
the Ol'Buzzard
Actually, the lion roars his mouth closed, so this lion is yawning.
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