New Pottermore Stuff

[Jorlem]

For those interested, Pottermore has posted crests for the Ministry of Magic, the Wizengamot, and MACUSA:

Ministry of Magic
[img]http://images.pottermore.com/bxd3o8b291gf/6L38h66V0soMeQaWMCIysQ/007fc80c491ca5eb6e24fbe1c24a3958/Ministry_Logo_BLACK.jpg?w=320]
Designed by Miraphora Mina & Eduardo Lima – © WBEI
A
straightforward, some would say workmanlike, letter ‘M’. Note the
‘serifs’; projections which extend from the corners of the letter and
subtly imply power and importance. A wand is placed dead-centre, making
it clear that magic is their business.

[img]http://images.pottermore.com/bxd3o8b291gf/kpELXnCFhYQmwk64CkWAm/69e8635a92284ce769eaa95d415ca636/Wizengamot_COLOUR.jpg?w=320]
Designed by Miraphora Mina & Eduardo Lima – © WBEI
When
integrated into the Wizengamot symbol, a set of scales (near-universal
symbols for justice), and a Latin motto - ignorantia juris neminem
excusat (‘ignorance of the rules is no excuse’) are incorporated.

The MACUSA seal
[img]http://images.pottermore.com/bxd3o8b291gf/OOXk6G4sIEAAgIyymmIog/379c2d8b9de6165ec32d170964f99a2b/FB-TRL-0014.JPG?w=320]
This
circular seal bears a passing resemblance to the Muggle Seal of the
President of the United States, with a few crucial differences. The
central bird is a phoenix, which typically represents resurrection and
immortality, as opposed to the eagle, which on the Seal of the President
suggests authority and judicial power.

The MACUSA design has a confidence and grandeur that reflects the American wizarding world.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
is set in 1926, and eagle-eyed history experts may notice that there
are 48 stars on the seal. Alaska and Hawaii had yet to become part of
the United States at this point in history.

There are also CoAs for Durmstrang and Beauxbatons:

Durmstrang
[img]http://images.pottermore.com/bxd3o8b291gf/2IaLcfrsHmcOYscqCCawqa/d7b425832e0b97760dfdc61793dbee36/Durmstrang_Crest.jpg?w=320]
Designed by Miraphora Mina & Eduardo Lima – © WBEI
Durmstrang’s
crest is packed with symbolic significance. A double-headed eagle
traditionally symbolises a ruling faction’s supremacy over both church
and state.

Durmstrang
is believed to be located in the far north of Europe, so it’s not
surprising that many northern European influences have been used in this
crest design. For example, the name of the school is embossed in both
Latinate and Cyrillic script, a common practice in that region.
Similarly, the onion dome backdrop is a prominent feature in Muggle
Russian architecture – think of the Kremlin.

Finally,
the stag’s head is traditionally associated with peace and harmony,
although in this case it may be more to do with prowess in deer hunting.

Beauxbatons
[img]http://images.pottermore.com/bxd3o8b291gf/6IjQMPrRUA6qOQ4CAgiMCa/e41340d6253768a41aa9ae648cb7164b/Beauxbatons_Crest.jpg?w=320]
Designed by Miraphora Mina & Eduardo Lima – © WBEI
The
name translates as ‘beautiful sticks’, and their crest is just as
elegant – two crossed wands can be seen at the top of the design. These
crossed wands were seen by Harry on the door Beauxbatons carriage in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

In
heraldry, crossed swords pointing up indicate preparedness for battle,
whereas pointing downwards they imply a major battle has been won. In
essence: don’t mess with us. The significance of both wands facing
upwards seems rather clear.

The design also has a beguiling, asymmetric natural border called ‘rococo’: a popular form of French decorative art.

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Stand between the Silver Crystal and the Golden Sea.
"Youngsters these days just have no appreciation for the magnificence of the legendary cucumber."  --Krityan Elder, Tales of Vesperia.