My New Vintage Seal and Logo

The seal plays with the Latin spelling of my name (Magalhães is the original Portuguese name for Magellan).

The motto, which again ties back to the intrepid navigator, translates loosely as tossed by the winds, always afloat. It is also on the coat of arms of Paris. And in the wake of the terror attacks in the French capital, it has become an anti-terrorist slogan. Pure coincidence, but a good one.

Magellan/Magalhaes went down in history as the first man to circle globe. A dubious, considering he died halfway into the expedition. The feat is disputed by Spain’s Juan Sebastian El Cano (who actually steered back to safe harbor the only surviving ship — Victoria — of the five vessels that set sail on the Guadalquivir river three years before). Only, Magellan had been to the Indies (or whereabouts) in a previous voyage, taking the route blazed a few years prior by Vasco da Gama, around the Cape of Good Hope.

I will argue, however, that the only individual who can rightly lay claim to such a prowess was actually an interpreter: Henry of Malacca — originally from Cebu and ‘acquired’ by Magellan at a young age, on occasion of that first trip to the Moluccas. On the circumnavigation journey, many years later, by the time the fleet made it to the Indies through the Pacific, Henry had come full circle.

Now, in case you’re wondering, no, I am not related to that noble Magellan, whose lawful offspring did not survive long enough to leave a lineage. Inheriting the name is enough blessing (blush, blush).

Magellan’s story gets better. A lot better, with tales of treason, murder, mutiny and high-paced chase through uncharted waters. I am writing a longer post on it. Come to think of it, I might as well make it a book. Stay tuned!

In the meantime…  Fluctuat Nec Mergitur!

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Can you spot the little boat sailing ’round the world? 

What motto best describes you or what you do?

How do you like my new seal? Leave a comment below.