Review: 32nd International Congress of Genealogical & Heraldic Science in Glasgow

Every two years major people from the genealogical and heraldic science are coming together for a scientific and informational exchange. When they met in Glasgow this year in August it was already the 32nd time. Over 50 speakers were informing about the main theme “Origins and Evolution”. As a professional Heraldry and Genealogy company it was a matter of course for us participating this amazing congress! Therefore, Petra and Harald Heimbach, Dr. Rolf Sutter and Clemens Kech were also present during these days and were performing two speeches.  

Even before the official handover the organizers had invited to the informal get-together. In a club congress veterans met for a warm reunion with old friends and companions; whereas this was a great opportunity for younger semesters to get in touch with new contacts in an informal atmosphere. The other day the congress was opened formally. As in the years before the list of speechers and topics was of the high-calibre. This indicated a very informative congress in the Tradeshall of Glasgow. Regarding the reactions of the audience to the speeches of Dr. Sutter and Clemens Kech Pro Heraldica was able to meet their expectations.

The Speeches of Pro Heraldica

Clemens Kech was informing about the origins of the “Allgemeine Deutsche Wappenrolle” (ADW) which is the German collection literature of Coat of Arms. He presented the great development of this literature, which was a simple collection back in the 1970s. Today it enjoys the title of being one of the most important armorials of Germany, which is displayed in all big libraries and archives. After Dr. Ottfired Neubecker laid the foundation, especially the cooperation with Pro Heraldica and Dr. Sutter’s professional care supported the success of the ADW. Meanwhile around 7,100 Coat of Arms are registered and getting nationally legal protection. Afterwards a lively and interesting discussion about the permission of bearing Coat of Arms and heraldic principals started. 

Dr. Rolf Sutter focused on the origins of the heraldry and took us to its springtime. He reconstructed and analyzed the fictive Coat of Arms of the figures in Wolfram von Eschenbachs poetry. So he was able to get a conclusion about the imaginations of the people back then regarding real Coat of Arms. From time to time the subjects were fitting to their bearers perfectly. This is also why they were not free from irony, which the audience only understood when they appear on the slide of heraldry in the reality. Therefore, it can be derived that the Heraldry fulfilled an identification function already to the developing times of the Percival.

Coat of Arms – A great part of Scottish Tradition

A highlight of the journey was the participation in a meeting of the Lyon Court, a standing court of law regulating heraldry in Scotland. Besides the treatment of some applications for Coat of Arms, a new usher was sworn. Not only this institution but also the omnipresent tartan pattern and kilts clarified how important traditions and culture for this country are. The sound of the bagpipe accompanies you during the day and we were also able to have a look at the international piping festival where traditional dances were performed as well.  

A gala dinner in the great hall of the tradeshall formed a perfect conclusion of the congress. Once again a great praise and many thanks to all organizers, helpers and also speechers and participants. We are looking forward to seeing you in the French Arras in 2018.

This post is also available in: German

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