Clan Ged facts for kids
Clan Ged is a historic Scottish clan. Today, this clan does not have a leader officially recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. This official is in charge of Scottish clans and their symbols. Because there is no recognized leader, Clan Ged is known as an armigerous clan. This means it doesn't have a formal standing under Scottish law.
The names Ged and Geddes are common in Scotland. They might come from a place called Geddes in Nairn. Another idea is that the name comes from an old English word, gedda. This word was a nickname for a pike, which is a type of fish.
Clan Symbols: The Pike Fish
The coats of arms for both Ged and Geddes families feature three pike fish. The English word for pike is luce. Many Norman families named de Lucy also have pike on their coats of arms. Some people think that a family like this might have moved to Scotland. They then might have taken on the names Ged or Geddes.
What is a Crest Badge?
A crest badge is a special symbol. Clan members can wear it to show their connection to the clan. The crest badge for Clan Ged comes from the official symbols of the Ged of that Ilk family. These symbols are recorded in the Lyon Register.
The crest badge shows a pike's head Proper. This means a pike's head in its natural colors. The badge also has a motto written in Latin. The motto is DURAT DITAT PLACET. This means "it sustains, it enriches, it pleases." The pike fish in the crest is a clever play on words. In heraldic terms, a ged is another name for a pike. This is called canting arms, where the symbol relates to the name.
Clan Tartan
Members of Clan Ged are allowed to wear the Duke of Fife tartan. A tartan is a special patterned cloth. It is often worn by Scottish clans to show their heritage.
