Raney

Coat of Arms

A silver shield with a green tree growing out of the base, and two wings cojoined ermine on a re chief

Crest

A hand holding a pair of balances.

The practice of using symbols to represent people is ancient, and in Scotland it evolved into a complicated system of armory, influenced greatly by England's example. However, Scotland's heraldic tradition developed on its own, and there are many devices that are uniquely, and sometimes, exclusively Scottish.

Silver, known by the French term "argent," is one of the two metals used in heraldry. It is usually represented on a shield by the colors gray or white. This metal represents nobility, peace and serenity. It is associated with the qualities of purity and chastity, because the metal withstands the test of fire.

Green, or in heraldic terms, "vert," signifies felicity and pleasure. It was symbolic of joy, youth and beauty. Green was also associated with the spring. The bearer of the green is obliged to defend the peasant and all who work on the land. It is expressed in engravings by lines in bend, or slanting to the right.

The tree is a symbol of antiquity and strength. The oak tree was sacred to the ancient Greeks and the Celts, the cedars of Lebanon are referred to in the scriptures as trees of stately beauty, the lime or linden tree was sacred to the Germans and the ash tree was venerated by the Scandinavians. Trees allude to home or property, and they are also generally considered a symbol of life and strength. Many types of trees are blazoned on shields, crests and coats of arms. Usually these trees do not differ greatly in appearance, though, and the name was really only specified as either a pun on the name of the bearer, because it related somehow to the characteristics of the land held by that family, or for the symbolic significance of the tree. For example, legend has it that when Christ was crucified, all the trees bowed in sorrow except the aspen. Because of its pride and sinful arrogance, the aspen's leaves were doomed to eternal trembling. The poplar is a symbol of great strength and this tree, which was consecrated to Hercules, is used in heraldic imagery as a symbol likening the strength of the bearer to that of Hercules. The cypress tree is a symbol of death, because once cut, it never springs up again from its roots and the evergreen, like the pine and the yew, is an ancient symbol of death and the hope of eternal life. Sometimes a hurst of trees, or a wood is found on a shield. Also, a tree stump or tree trunk may be used as a symbol of re-growth and rebirth, especially when it is borne with branches spouting new leaves. These symbols are not uncommonly found in heraldry.

Wings are symbols of speed and protection. They are also religious emblems of justice and spirituality. Many European crests are blazoned to appear between a pair of wings, also called a. "vol."

Ermine is one of the five furs used in heraldry. The ermine is a white furred weasel with a black tipped tail, it is represented by a white field with black spots, where the spots represent the tails of this small animal.

This is a regal fur, since ermine has long been associated with the crowns and robes of royal and noble persons. It symbolizes valor, justice and dignity. Ermine is the most common fur in heraldry.

Red, with the former name of belic, and the current name "gules," is the military color for excellence and fortitude. It is symbolic of nobility, boldness and ferocity, and can also represents fire and summer. Some ancient laws restricted its use to princes and their families. Red corresponds to the metal copper and is denoted in engravings by numerous perpendicular lines.

The chief is a horizontal band across the top of the shield that stands for authority and domination of will. The chief has often been granted as a special reward for prudence and wisdom, as well as for successful command in war. The chief theoretically contains the upper 1/3 of the shield, although it rarely actually does. The chief is never surmounted by any other ordinary (a simple background symbol) except for in very exceptional cases.

The hand denotes a pledge of faith, sincerity and justice and it is symbolic of support and strength. In Irish arms a red hand has a particular legendary significance, from the landing of Ireland's earliest-known settlers, the sons of Milesius. The genealogical historian O'Hart tells the story: "According to tradition, two of the chieftains had agreed that whosoever first touched the 'Isle of Destiny' after leaving the vessel in their small boats should possess the right of selection over the portion of the land he was to rule. One, seeing his rival gaining apace, drew his sword from the sheath and, cutting off his left hand, hurled the gory member to the shore, and thus overcame his rival." Ever after, the bloody red hand has been the chief badge of his descendants, the O'Neill's, and those who pledged allegiance to them.