A grandparents' creed for the grandchildren
Grandparents often want to hand down more than heirlooms: the stories, the recipes, the way the family does things. A creed written from their values is a gift that says it plainly. This example leads with tradition and love, adds the wisdom that comes with years, and uses the owl, the heraldic sign of watchfulness and sharp wit. Purple has stood for dignity since medieval heraldry. Grandparents can make it alone as a holiday gift, or run the session at a family dinner and let the grandchildren vote on the design.
The creed
We hold these things to be true:
We keep our traditions and pass them on.
We love in word and in deed, through all our years.
We think before we speak and listen before we judge.
We give freely, as freely we have received.
We give thanks for every day and every blessing.
We keep our stories and tell them to the young.
When storms come, we stand together.
Let it be said of our family: they were loving and wise.
So it is, and so it shall be.
Motto options
- More Maiorum et Amore (“By the ways of our ancestors and love”)
- Honor our roots. Love deeply.
- Memores Maiorum (“Mindful of our ancestors”)
- Amor Vincit Omnia (“Love conquers all”)
- Sapere Aude (“Dare to be wise”)
- Honor the Past
What the crest means
Quarterly Purpure and Or; first and fourth, an owl Or; second and third, a heart Purpure.
- Purpure (purple): royal majesty, sovereignty and justice
- Or (gold): generosity and elevation of the mind
- The owl: wisdom and watchfulness
- The heart: love and sincerity
- Quarters show several branches of one family held together
- The motto: More Maiorum et Amore (“By the ways of our ancestors and love”)
Values in this creed
Talk about it together
- Which family tradition would you most hate to lose?
- What story about our grandparents or great-grandparents should everyone know?
- How do you know someone in this family loves you, without them saying it?
- What is one small thing we do for each other that we should never stop doing?