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Registration number 20060823C
This certifies that the heraldic arms of Sanjay Vijay Merchant are registered as an original design and are described by the blazon below
2004 American College of Heraldry #2523
The tinctures—Sanguine and Or—are adapted from the colors of Sanjay’s Alma Mater: the University of Southern California. (Coincidently, he also wore these colors at Mission Viejo High School.) The red symbolizes the blood of Christ as well as the familial bond shared by the armigers (Ephesians 1:7). The gold symbolizes Godly wisdom (Proverbs 16:16).
The chevron with three black crosses represents Calvary, while the major cross symbolizes Christ himself. These emblems stand between rampant lions as in the ancient near eastern Gilgamesh motif, symbolizing victory.
The lion is one of the most prevalent charges in heraldry and is often associated with royalty. In this achievement the rampant lions suggest both a nod to heraldic tradition and a subtly subversive comment on human kingship. Americans reject aristocratic symbols, European haughtiness, and titles; yet in doing so we do not demean men, but lift them up. The free man is a citizen, not a subject, and he lives a life of common nobility—thinking of himself as neither greater nor lesser than any other man. By denying human kingship we proclaim that there is one True King—the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5)—and recognize his Messianic reign.
As a group, the charges re-appropriate traditional symbols in a distinctly Christian and American way.
The crest features an elephant on grass denoting Sanjay’s Indian ancestry as well as familial strength and integrity. The classic virtues are captured in the motto, “Bonum, Veritas, Pulcher.” The armiger is called to live rightly while seeking knowledge and appreciating aesthetic harmony.
Armiger