Learn About the Symbols on the Maloof Family Coat of Arms
Maloof Coat of Arms
ARMS
Vert, a cross gules, fimbriated and charged in the center with a Byzantine medallion of eight petals or; in the first quarter a crescent argent, in the second quarter a mullet of six points of the third, in the third quarter a falcon on a gloved wrist proper, hood and thongs of the second (hood's feather of the fourth), in the fourth quarter two swords in saltire of the fourth, hilt and pommel gold encrusted with jewels.
CRESCENT MOON AND STAR
Represents the high degree of accomplishment and fame, which our forefathers of the East were able to achieve as statesmen, historians, poets, prose writers, physicians, lawyers, businessmen, educators, and more.
HELMET
Represents knighthood and chivalry, which our predecessors possessed in the courageous defense of their honor.
CREST
From a crown encrusted with gems proper, resting on a torse argent and vert, a hand issuing holding a Byzantine Cross proper.
CROWN OF ROYALTY WITH THE MOUNTED GOLDEN CROSS
Represents the position of reign and honor, which our forefathers (the Ghassani kings) were able to keep alive for over six hundred years to promote Christianity.
SUPPORTERS
On a mound of sand proper, dexter, an Arab stallion rampant reguardant sable; sinister, the lion of Judah rampant reguardant proper.
LION
Represents the Ghassani Arab tribe of "Bani Al Azad", from whom we are descendants. The lion symbolizes royalty, courage, and might. The lion of Judah represents the Emporer of Abyssinia, the Negusa Nagast (King of Kings, or Emporer) of Ethiopia, direct descent from Solomon and the Queen of Sheeba.
COLORS
Taken from a very old poem by Sayfeddine Al Hilly represented by:
ARABIAN STALLION
Represents our Arabian origin. It supports a romantic place in history. Arab horses are affectionate, gentle, born without fear of man or beast, and are renowned for their beauty, courage, docility, endurance, gentleness, intelligence, ruggedness, tractability, and the like. Rampant and reguardant simply describes the position of the horse and lion.
BLACK FIELD
Represents the dark hours of battle and tragedies that the family had endured throughout its history.
GOLD BASE
Represents the dominant sands of the Arabian Continent, where the family had its origins and roots.
CHAIN MAIL
Worn by Byzantines of the Mayen Age.
CROSS, CRESCENT, STAR, CROSSED SWORDS AND CROWN
All indicate the Maloof descent from kings of Ghassan, first Arab Christian kings, allies of Romans, and Greeks.
GERFALCON
Represents the freedom to seek livelihood and entertainment. The use of gerfalcons and young leopards for hunting small game was widespread in the royal circles of the Ghassanid lords. It indicates the sport of kings. Falconry was known in Arabia at least 600 years before Christ. Sir A.H. Layard says that on a bas-relief (found in the ruins of Khorsabad), there appeared a falconer bearing a hawk on his wrist. From this, it would appear that the sport was known in that region 1700 years before Christ.
RED CROSS
Represents the blood-shedding which our ancestors endured to preserve their Christian faith.
CIRCLE
Represents the eternal unity of the family during times of strife.
CROSSED SWORDS
Represents the means by which the family was forced to defend its honor and position.