A Latin phrase translates into “great oak.” The line includes the term “Rober,” which is actually where people named Robert had their name stem from. Pope Robert is one of the well-known people of the same name. He lived during the middle ages and was remembered to feature an oak tree on his papal coat of arms. The oak tree, however, also stood for paganism. Pagan translated into men of the land.
The old Irish practice believed that salmon is where wisdom originated. Many families included a unique pool where ancient priests would feed the fish so that their elders would be given wisdom. The practice is still done today and the fish is shown on various crest flags and coats of arms.
As for the serpent, it represented good health and vitality. The symbol dates back to Egypt during the ancient period. Pharaohs would carry a scepter with a cobra at the top, which was believed to scare off evil spirits that cause disease. In Greece many years before, the snake was also seen as a source of vitality. When a new ancient doctor was recognized, he was required to sign the Hippocratic Oath, which showed a serpent wrapped around a sword.
At present, the Roman god of vitality can still be seen in some images, with the snake twirled around a sword. The Irish of old believed that the serpent saved lives. Many family crest flags included the serpent so that their members would not be afflicted with sickness and are kept safe always.
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