The old ring he has, I used to hear about from different family members, but the plaque looks new to me.
Ahhh.. now I understand. My humble opinion is that is not important if that plaque is old or new. What is important is if you father did make it a symbol of something worth standing for. And if you are willing to continue it (whatever it is) - it's real.
Let's be honest. In the XII-or something century some lad draw a picture on his shield. At the beginning it was only a meaningless picture. A cross. An arrow. Circle. Anything. What he did after this point in time, what's he stands for - this is really important thing. Now its XXI century. I see no reason why somebody shouldn't draw a new symbol and make it stand for something. It's a hard job - of course. But i think it's worth it.
Of course - there are people who would say that only the "ancient roots" means something. Well... after all - we all are the final offspring of the very ancient families. Every man and woman can theoretically track his ancestry at least 40000 years in the past (or about 6000 if you don't believe in the Darwin theory). It doesn't really matter.
but you must admit....pretty impressive genes isnt it, perhaps you may be jealous :)Enkidu? i guess you dont have photos in your home of your family then.
I am sorry if I upset you in any way, Janet. It is not my place to decide of the arrangements of the furniture in your home.
And - no. I am not jealous. I don't believe in the genes and the magic of ancient glory. I am rather see it as a challenge. If one is born to the szlachta family he has a duty to prove with every day of his life that he is worth it. It's a heavy burden to bear. If he fail - he would reduce his own coat of arms to the mere, meaningless piece of furniture hanging above the fire place.
As I said before - it shall be in the one's heart.