Creech Coat of Arms.
Creech: He beareth for arms. Or two bars sable between nine martlets azure, 3, 3, and 3.
Crest: A dexter had holding a laurel crown proper.
Motto: “Volenti nil difficile” (Nothing too hard to a willing mind.)
The above description of the Creech Armorial Bearing is ascribed to the Edinburg family in Burke’s Heraldry and confirmed in Fairbarin’s Crests. Translated into non-heraldic terms: A gold shield on which are charged two black bands between nine footless swallows of blue. These are arranged in rows of thee each with bars between. The crest is a right hand holding a laurel crown, both natural color.
A bar is the diminutive of the fesse, which is a band occupying one third of the center of the shield, and representing the military girdle of honor. The bar has the same interpretation adding “One who sets the bars of his conscience against all evil influences.”
The martlet or mythical footless swallow, is like other swallows, the bearer of good news, a harbinger of joy. When one martlet is used it is the symbol of the fourth son, and the fourth son inherits no land, therefore needs no feet, and the laurel wreath is the emblem of victory, Winning of laurels was often spoken of in Greek Literature.
The colors have a special meaning and are recorded also:
Sable (black) showed dignity and sobriety.
Or (gold) denoted stainless honor and elevation of mind.
Azure (blue) signify truth and sincerity.
Proper is the natural color of object.
The leaves around the shield are simply ornamental and have no special meaning.
Painted by: (Mrs) Blanche H. Etheredge
Scotland Neck, N. C. 27874 R#2
Telephone #826-4695
All Images (c) 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 by Bill Creech