[Bards] Heraldic History (Was Symbology)

[Brian & Pam Martin]

Finnacan asked:

Which reminds me...
  Why is it that the Order of the Iris of Merit is not an Iris (the old
Fleur-de-lis, mayhap in Ansteorran black and gold) but a heraldic rainbow?
What is the connection? Was this done simply to accomodate the multi-colored
sash members wear on the shoulder? If so, why call it an Iris at all?
That has me curious...
............................................................................

The goddess Iris rode a rainbow from heaven to Earth. I suspect that's the
reason for the rainbow colored ribbon. (I also agree that an iris flower pin
would be a nicer award insignia. It'd certainly make a good hat pin.)

Pendaran