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Learn the history and meaning of hundreds of heraldic symbols used on coats of arms and crests. Find out how the symbols relate to the family names, colors, shapes, and devices of heraldry.
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Aug 27, 2024 · Learn about the origin, evolution, and meaning of coat of arms, the heraldic system of symbols used to identify families and organizations. Explore the types, tinctures, charges, and examples of coat of arms in medieval and modern times.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Learn the meaning and origin of various coat of arms symbols and how they reflect the identity and legacy of families. Explore the list of common symbols and their associations with bravery, loyalty, honor, and more.
- Colors, Arms, and Symbol Meanings
- Animals
- Celestial Beings and Crosses
- Flowers and Fruit
- Mythological Creatures
- Objects
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The Colors Signify Qualities in a Person
First of all the different tinctures(or colors) that are used on a coat of arms can mean different things about who they represent. The “fur” is a tincture consisting of a color set with a pattern of shapes. 1. Argent (Silver or white) – Peace and sincerity 2. Azure (Blue) – Truth and loyalty 3. Furs(Ermine, ermines, erminois, vair, counter vair, pean, potent, counter potent) – Dignity 4. Gules (Red) – Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity 5. Or (Gold or Yellow) – Generosity an...
The Arms Represent the Four Elements
The arms on a coat of arms here consist of shaped lines. They can represent the four elements air, earth or land, fire, and water. Arms can be found in the shield of the coat of arms. 1. Dancette– Water 2. Embattled– Walls of a fortress or town (also fire) 3. Engrailed– Earth or land 4. Indented– Fire 5. Invected– Earth or land 6. Nebuly– Clouds or air 7. Raguly– Difficulties that have been encountered 8. Wavy– Sea or water
Symbols Represent Each of the Father’s Sons
Symbols that are found within the shieldof a coat of arms will signify the relationship to the original grantee, or father. They are known as differences of marks of cadency. These can help you identify a particular branch of a family tree. 1. Label– Eldest son 2. Crescent– Second son 3. Mullet (star)– Third son 4. Martlet (bird)– Fourth son 5. Annulet (ring)– Fifth son 6. Fleur-de-lis– Sixth son 7. Rose– Seventh son 8. Cross moline– Eighth son 9. Double quatrefoil (or octofoil)– Ninth son
Animals were also to be found on a coat of arms. They could be on the shield, on top of the helmet (the crest), or on either side of the coat of arms (the supporters). Fierce and ferocious animals were particularly chosen and were positioned in combat postures. They tended to represent positive traitssuch as loyalty, resourcefulness, or wisdom. 1. ...
Any form of a cross that is found on the crest may indicate some Christian experience or sentiment. There may also appear an angel or some other similar celestial being that will represent dignity, glory, and honor. 1. Angel or Cherub– Dignity, glory, and honor; missionary; bearer of joyful news 2. Cross– Faith; service in the Crusades 3. Cross(Cel...
Any flower that is found on a coat of arms will represent hope and joy. The appearance of fruit meanwhile will represent felicity and peace. Certain flora will have a more specific meaning. 1. Acacia branch or leaves– Eternal and affectionate remembrance 2. Apple– Liberality, felicity, and peace 3. Bay leaves– Poet or victor’s laurel 4. Berries– Li...
Occasionally mythological creatures did appear on a coat of arms and the crests. These held particular significance in heraldry. 1. Centaur– Eminence in the field of battle 2. Cockatrice– Terror to all beholders 3. Dragon/wyvern(a dragon with only two legs) – Valiant defender of treasure; valor and protection 4. Griffin(head, wings, and talons of a...
Objects may have also featured anywhere on the coat of arms. They had many different meaningswhich added more uniqueness to the arms as well as identifying the person or family. 1. Agricultural tools– Laboring in the earth and depending upon providence 2. Anchor– Hope; religious steadfastness 3. Anvil– Honor 4. Arrow– Readiness for battle; if depic...
By now you should know all about the symbols that are featured on a coat of arms. To find your family’s coat of arms you could check out the College of Arms in London, England, or The American College of Heraldry in the United States. Or why not check out the following sites and resources to find out yourself?
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Learn what the colors, shapes, animals, and objects on a coat of arms represent and how they reflect the qualities and history of the grantee. Find out how to identify the differences of marks of cadency and the mythological creatures on a coat of arms.
Learn about the origin, evolution and meaning of coats of arms, heraldic visual designs on shields, surcoats or tabards. Explore the regional traditions, terminology and regulations of coats of arms in France, Britain, Ireland and other countries.
May 30, 2024 · Learn about the history, evolution, and anatomy of coats of arms, the visual identifiers of knights, nobles, and families. Discover the meanings of colors, patterns, and symbols, and see examples of famous and modern coats of arms.
Learn about the history and symbolism of heraldry colors and coat of arms symbols. Find out the meanings of green, blue, red, black, purple, gold, silver, ermine, vair, mulberry, sanguine, orange and more.
