This is the house crests of the Three Magii from the bible (the three wise men). It is c1490 though the crests of course were known much farther back than that. This comes from two separate sources, the other being a painting "The adoration of hte Magii".

Notice that one of the crests is effectively the moon and star seen on islamic flags. This is no coincidence, Islam and Christianity have always been closely linked.

Follow

@freemo Good find! The Crescent was a popular symbol of Byzantium (i.e. Constantinople, the ‘other’ Rome), linked to a story about the city’s protection by the Moon goddess, Astarte, during a siege by Philip of Macedon. Most pre-Islamic representations seem to show the crescent facing upwards with the star above. The symbol survived the conversion of the city to Chrsitianity. It seems to have spread to Western heraldry after the Crusades. Still, I think it’s uncommon in the West.

Sign in to participate in the conversation
Qoto Mastodon

QOTO: Question Others to Teach Ourselves
An inclusive, Academic Freedom, instance
All cultures welcome.
Hate speech and harassment strictly forbidden.