Origins Available: English, Dutch
Spelling variations include: Macki, Mackay, Mackau, Mack, Macke, Machui, Machlen, Mache and many more.
First found in Holland, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region.
Some of the first settlers of this name or some of its variants were: Christopher Fredrick Mache, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1753; A. Judith Veizhansin Mack, who settled in America in 1766; Friedrich Maken, who arrived in America in 1776.
Family Crests and Coats of Arms: the Heraldic Artist
Before an artist or craftsman can render a Coat of Arms, it must exist. In other words the arms must have been designed and recorded by the heralds from time immemorial.
Heraldic designs matriculated by the lay-artist in many cases becomes uninspired, meretricious and even ugly. Therefore, to the heraldic artist it presents a formidable challenge, whilst he may enjoy considerable freedom within certain limits. The objects in the arms, crest and supporters, their colours and dispositions may not be altered.
Thus, a Lion Rampant, Gules armed and langued, Azure, can be fat, thin, hairy or bald, happy or angry, but it must be in the rampant position, coloured red and the tongue and claws of blue. Beyond these limits the artist is free, to choose the shape of the shield, style of helm (befitting the rank) and to arrange the mantling to create a well balanced composite design.
Family Crests and Coats of Arms: Timeline
11th Century
Many of the symbols adopted into armory have been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians, but heraldry itself did not begin until the 11th century. In continental Europe, the most ancient recorded Coat-of-Arms was discovered upon the monumental effigy of a Count of Wasserburg in the church of St. Emeran, at Ratisobon, Germany. The ensigns were "per fess argent and sable, a lion rampant counterchanged", dated 1010.
12th Century
The earlist known Shield in England was that which King Henry I gave his son-in-lac, Geoffrey of Anjou, when he knighted him in 1127.
13th Century
Heraldry was so well accepted across Europe by this time that it acquired the rules and terminolgy which are the basis of its present laws and language. The specialist in this field became known as heralds.
15th Century
England incorporated the College of Arms in 1484.
16th Century
With the passing of the tournaments, heraldry change from a functional art to one of decoration.
19th Century
The Victorian Age brought about a revival of simple, spirited heraldic design.
20th Century
Heraldry is now used as a decorative art, displaying the early symbols associated with our ancestors, and forms a proud link with our heritage.
Family Crests and Coats of Arms: Elements
Again the Family Crest is just part of the story of Coats of Arms or Heraldry. Heraldry is defined as the hereditary art or science of blazoning, the description is appropriate technical terms of Coats-of-Arms and other heraldic and armorial insignia, and is 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 today the testimonials and warrants of bravery, heroism, and meritorious deeds of our ancestors.
Arms:
Shields at first were painted simply with one or more bands of colour or 'ordinaries'. Later, the ordinaries were used in conjuction with other figures or symbols; e.g. beasts, birds, fish, flowers, celestial objects, monsters, etc. Heraldry was thus rapidly enriched through the constant necessity to achive 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 and addiction of height to the wearer. In heraldry today, the crest and arms are usually displayed together.
Motto:
The motto generaly evolved from the watchword or war-cry of the family. Often the motto contained an allusion to a memorable vent in th family history; e.g., the "Bruce" motto 'Fuimus' (Latin-'We were') refers to the fact that the family were once the kings of Scotland.
Torse (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 colour of the arms, with the exception being in continental heraldry.
Helm (Helmet, Casque, or Morion):
These varied in shape in different ages and countries, and always in the case of titled arms.
The Esquire Helm, as depictec in family arms, is always with 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 extermities of wet, cold, and heat, and to preserve the armour from rust".
The numerous cuts and slits indicated that it had been torn and hacked in the field of battle, and betokened a certain evidence of prowess.
|