Russell Family
" Armorial Bearings "
From Scotland

The Crest - This is the "Goat" passant (a goat in the act of walking, the "dexter" (right) forepaw being raised, all three others on the ground) positioned on top (at the crest) of the "Great Helm" (or helmet). When the goats' horns are a different color, it is said to be "armed"; these are not.
According to "Signs and Symbols", by Clare Gibson, "Goats have a complex symbolism, both positive and negative...the goat can represent vitality and sacrifice"...also "in the Bible...unbelievers are termed 'goats'." I suspect, due to the clam-shells also displayed, that this goat is in reference to Capricornus, the mythological "Goat-Fish" and the dual realm of earth and sea; however, it could simply mean exactly as one might imagine from a "goat" - something uncompromising, selfish, lecherous, lustful, and unsympathetic.

The Coat of Arms - The devices emblazoned upon the shield "per fess" (medial division across the horizontal plane), consisting of, upper section, three "Clam-Shells" emblazoned upon a background of "sable", and lower section, a Lion "passant" (a lion in the act of walking, the "dexter" (right) forepaw being raised, all three others on the ground), emblazoned upon a background of "ash-gray".
According to "Signs and Symbols", by Clare Gibson, "The "shell" is a universally positive feminine symbol of birth, life, resurrection, love, and good luck...In Christianity...the shell symbolizes resurrection and often baptism...In medieval times, a scallop-shell symbolized a pilgrimage."

The Motto - Che Sara Sara (What Will Be, Will Be).