The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Sechelt, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Darragh Singh Dhillon and Ruairí Singh Dhillon
April 15, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 83
Arms of Paul Singh DhillonBlazonArgent two flaunches Vert, a chief Argent edged and charged with a barrulet and three endorses Sable all surmounted by a billet fesswise Argent edged Sable between two plates edged Sable; SymbolismWhite and green are colours associated with India and Ireland, commemorating the cultural origins of Dr. Dhillon and his wife Sarah. The central white portion alludes to the path ascribed by Sikhism, Dr. Dhillon’s faith, towards finding ultimate truth and enlightenment. It also represents his journey to Ireland, which allowed him to fulfill both his professional and personal dreams. The black in the top of the shield refers to the Gaelic name for Dublin, meaning “black pool.” The pattern was inspired by the Book of Kells, the most famous Irish illuminated manuscript, which is kept in Dublin. The circles represent wheels, and thus Dr. Dhillon’s membership in Rotary International, highlighting the importance of volunteerism in Sikhism. Linked to other shapes, they indicate the profound effect of voluntary work on the community at large. They also represent Dr. Dhillon’s two children, while the central rectangle symbolizes his marriage and the core family bond. |
CrestBlazonA demi-lion Gules its tail terminating in a shamrock, crowned with a coronet of crosses Vert and holding a khanda sword bendwise sinister proper resting on its sinister shoulder; SymbolismThe lion and khanda sword honour Dr. Dhillon’s Sikh ancestry. The sword further refers to the military service of his grandfather in the Indian Army. The lion alludes to the name Singh, which means “lion” in Sanskrit. Its colour—which can be described as saffron or orange—represents the third colour of the flags of India and Ireland. In India, it signifies courage and is therefore representative of his career in the Canadian Armed Forces. The crosses in the coronet are inspired by the Red Cross emblem used by military medical units, referring to his role as a reservist medical officer. |
MottoBlazonFIOSRAIGH • FULAING • SÁRAIGH; SymbolismThese Irish words, meaning “Inquire, endure, excel,” represent governing principles in Dr. Dhillon’s life. |
Flag of Paul Singh DhillonBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Paul Singh DhillonBlazonA lozenge wavy Argent charged with a cross double-parted and fretted Vert interlaced with an annulus Gules; SymbolismThe wavy edges recall the coasts off of Dr. Dhillon’s province of residence, British Columbia, as well as those of Ireland. The cross and the ring symbolize family strength and unity. |
Differenced Arms for Darragh Singh Dhillon, child of Paul Singh DhillonBlazonThe Arms of Paul Singh Dhillon with the flaunches Sable instead of Vert during his father’s lifetime; This individual will ultimately inherit the Arms; SymbolismBlack alludes to his first name, which means “dark oak” in Irish. |
Differenced Arms for Ruairí Singh Dhillon, child of Paul Singh DhillonBlazonThe Arms of Paul Singh Dhillon with the flaunches Gules instead of Vert; SymbolismRed alludes to his first name, which means “red-haired king” in Irish. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on October 29, 2022 in Volume 156, page 5124 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Alix Chartrand, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterEva Pilar-Cass CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeIndividual |