Mallem Crustulam

Heraldic designs were widely spread in medieval Europe. Originally, they were heavily regulated as artistic representation of political, military and economic power. Despite invoking the belligerence of European tribal history they can be a useful tool to display the identity of our community outwards and playfully communicate hidden meanings to those-in-the-know. Ideas behind this design: Contrary to most historic examples there are no weapons here; the shield is modelled after Celtic decorative shields which were crafted to be offered as sacrifices in rivers and graves. They were symbols of spiritual protection and communal dedication rather than war. The central coat of arms consists of playing card suits often used as Ace symbols. It is framed by the two fantastic creatures most often referenced in the Ace community: Dragons are powerful serpentine creatures of myth known on all continents therefor transcending nationality and unicorns are symbols of purity. Since virginity is a social construct and asexuality is not abstinence this makes it a problematic symbol. However, the unicorn is one of the few exclusively positive mythological creatures (nurturing, healing, associated with rainbows and nowadays queer pride), only violent towards predators. The motto “Mallem Crustulam” is Latin for „I‘d rather have cake“.