Family Crest
 Family
legend has it that a vulning pelican is the family crest. So far, we
have not been able to document that there actually was a family
crest. However, the legend is given some credibility by a reference
in Tablettes genealogiques, historiques, heraldiques des Flanders,
by Charles van Renynghe de Voxvrie, where it is stated that the
motto of the Ponet family is Morior Pro Meis. Translated, that is “I
give my life for my own.” The pelican above is giving her life for
her young by piercing her breast and feeding them her own blood.
The Pageant of Heraldry, by Col. H.C.B. Rogers, states: “The
heraldic pelican is really a monster, since it bears no resemblance
to the actual bird. Sometimes it is very much like an eagle, but it
is generally drawn with a long neck and beak. It is always shown
with wings raised, piercing its breast with its beak, and is said to
be vulning itself. The pelican is usually standing in its nest with
its young at its feet feeding them with drops of its blood, and is
blazoned as a pelican in her piety. It is a favorite Christian
emblem typifying our Lord’s Redemption of his children.” 
Picnic in a Punnetts Town hops garden. Ethel and Norah Punnett are
2nd and 3rd from right in flowered hats.
The Coat of Arms
The following so-called Coat of Arms Report was prepared some years
ago. It should more properly be called Family Shield Report. A coat
of arms is a much more complex emblem. As is the case with the
motto, the shield is based on the assumption that Ponet is an
alternative form of Punnett.
| dancettee or |
large saw-toothed
partition line yellow or gold
|
Signifies industry,
accomplishment
The bearer surpasses
all others in valor |
| azure
pelican
|
blue |
Loyalty, fidelity,
and truth Sacrifice |
| fleur-de-lis |
adaptation of the lily |
The 3 leaves are
said to represent faith, wisdom, and valor. This is one
of the most highly regarded charges among royalty and
those of nobility. |
|