Queen Elizabeth II 25th Anniversary Coronation First Day Cover, New Hebrides (English Issue) postmarked on June 2, 1978.
New Hebrides (English Issue)
The White Horse of Hanover featured in this Omnibus issue was brought over in 1714 by the Elector of Hanover, on his being proclaimed George I. The heraldic use of the horse is documented in Bruns- wick from 1360, but its origin lies with our Saxon and Jute ancestors, in a horse-cult linked to the Germanic deities Frija and her brother/husband Freyr. Frija (whence Friday), is the counterpart of Mesopotamian Ishtar, Greek Aphrodite and Roman Venus, and with her male counterpart was deity of love, marriage, fertility and birth. Worship was performed by priests dressed in female attire, before an appropriate image of the god; a ceremony distantly preserved in Mumming plays, and Morris and Maypole dances.
Sacred horses were kept for Freyr in Sweden, Norway and Iceland, and whereas Sumer had her Gilgamesh and Enkidu; Rome, Romulus and Remus, Castor and Pollux both; the Jutes (preceding George's immigration by 1500 years) were led by Hengest (stallion) and Horsa (horse). Christianity was at odds with many Germanic attitudes to life, and the horse was in the front line for their attack. Thus, the wife of King Edgar in being accused of witchcraft, was said by a bishop to transform herself into a mare and leap 'hither and thither with horses' and to show herself shamelessly to them'. Witches were frequently associated with the horse, but popular tradition has now transformed it (perhaps via the hobbyhorse) into a broomstick.
Although the White Horse has never figured as a supporter for the royal arms, nor been listed as a royal badge, it was nevertheless chosen to guard the entrance of Her Majesty to Westminster Abbey for her Coronation, and it is used in several Army badges, such as those of the King's Own Hussars, the King's (Liverpool) Regiment and the West York- shire Regiment.
For information on the New Hebrides and the Gallic Cock, see the New Hebrides French issue page.
