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1. Larry A. Grant <grant.198@osu.edu> 2. Rick Ramos <raramos@eagle.fgcu.edu> -----Message from: Larry A. Grant <grant.198@osu.edu>----- The book, Ancient pagan and modern Christian symbolism by Thomas Inman (which can be found on Google books), published in 1915, offers the following interpretation of the fouled anchor: "Figure 74 [a fouled anchor] is a well known Christian emblem, called "a foul anchor." The anchor, as a symbol, is of great antiquity. It may be seen on an old Etruscan coin in the British Museum, depicted in Veterum Populorum et Regum Nummi, etc. (London, 1814), plate ii., fig. 1. On the reverse there is a chariot wheel. The foul anchor represents the crescent moon, the yoni, ark, navis, or boat; in this is placed the mast, round which the serpent, the emblem of life in the "verge," entwines itself. The cross beam completes the mystic four, symbolic alike of the sun and of androgeneity. The whole is a covert emblem of that union which results in fecundity. It is said by Christians to be the anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast. That it certainly cannot be, for a foul anchor will not hold the ground." As a 27 year veteran of the sea service, my own personal view of the fouled anchor, which I'm convinced was adopted by a sailor with a sense of humor, is that it is a warning, an insight, a commentary, a prediction, and an estimate of current conditions all at the same time. Larry A. Grant CDR USN (ret.) Naval historian j.g. Larry A. Grant <grant.198@osu.edu> -----Message from: Rick Ramos <raramos@eagle.fgcu.edu>----- Hey everyone, Apparently the "foul anchor" which is the proper nautical term not "fouled anchor," is a purely traditional symbol for the Navy. According to the Naval Historical Center: "Fouled anchor (even they appear to have fouled up the original term): The fouled (rope- or chain-entwined) anchor so prevalent in our Navy's designs and insignia is a symbol at least 500 years old that has it origins in the British traditions adopted by our naval service. The fouled anchor was adopted as the official seal of Lord High Admiral Charles Lord Howard of Effingham during the late 1500s (you already quoted this part). A variation of the seal had been in use by the Lord High Admiral of Scotland about a century earlier. The anchor (both with and without the entwined rope) is a traditional heraldic device used in ancient British coats of arms. As a heraldic device, it is a stylized representation used merely for its decorative effect." This definition was taken from http://www.history.navy.mil/trivia/trivia03.htm (accessed November 10, 2009). So, based on this version the "foul anchor" symbol appears to be nothing more than decorative. In a more updated version of the meaning of the "foul anchor," the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy's web site offers this definition: "The Fouled Anchor is the emblem of the Rate of Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy. Attached to the Anchor is a length of chain and the letters U.S.N. To the novice, the anchor, chain and letters only identify a Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy, but, to a Chief, these have a more noble and glorious meaning. The "U" stands for Unity, which reminds us of cooperation, maintaining harmony and continuity of purpose and action. The "S"stands for Service, which reminds us of service to our God, our fellow man and our Navy. The "N" stands for Navigation, which reminds us to keep ourselves on a true course so that we may walk upright before God and man in our transactions with all mankind, but especially with our fellow Chiefs. The Chain is symbolic of flexibility and reminds us of the chain of life that we forge day by day, link by link and may it be forged with Honor, Morality and Virtue. The Anchor is emblematic of the hope and glory of the fulfillment of all God's promises to our souls. The golden or precious Anchor by which we must be kept steadfast in faith and encouraged to abide in our proper station amidst the storm of temptation, affliction and persecution." This version may be more stylized and may have been constructed at a time when the Navy and all the armed services in fact were seeking to instill the notions of discipline, honor, respect, and devotion to duty in an all-volunteer force. Anyway, it's taken from http://www.goatlocker.org/cpo.html (accessed November 10, 2009). Hope this helps in your search for the meaning and history of the "foul anchor" and that you share your findings with the members of the Discussion List. Rick Ramos Graduate Student in History Florida Gulf Coast University Rick Ramos <raramos@eagle.fgcu.edu> ----- For subscription help, go to: http://www.h-net.org/lists/help/ To change your subscription settings, go to http://h-net.msu.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=h-war -----
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