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Learn the secret meaning of hundreds of heraldic symbols and charges on coats of arms and family crests. Find out how colors, shapes, animals, and objects reflect the history and heritage of your ancestors.
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Learn the meaning and origin of various coat of arms symbols and how they reflect the identity and legacy of families. Explore the heraldic tradition and the evolution of coat of arms from medieval Europe to today.
Learn about the origin, evolution, and meaning of coat of arms, the heraldic system of medieval Europe. Find out how shields, helmets, crests, and charges were used to identify knights, families, and organizations.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Mar 21, 2024 · Learn the history and symbolism of coat of arms symbols, colors, and creatures in this comprehensive article. Discover the meanings of common charges, ordinaries, and furs, and how to create your own heraldic design.
- The Origins and Evolution of Coats of Arms
- The Anatomy of A Coat of Arms
- Symbols, Colors, and Their Meanings
- Famous Coats of Arms and Their Stories
- The Modern Use of Coats of Arms
- Final Words
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The Emergence of Heraldry
Heraldry, as a form of visual identification, began to emerge during the High Middle Ages in Europe, roughly between the 11th and 12th centuries. Knights and nobles needed a way to distinguish themselves in battle, and heraldic designs painted on their shields served this purpose.
The Role of Heralds
Heralds were officials who specialized in the art of heraldry. They were responsible for creating, registering, and authenticating coats of arms. They also served as announcers during tournaments, delivering messages between opposing parties and maintaining records of the various arms and lineages.
Coats of Arms Across Europe
While the tradition of heraldry began in Europe, it quickly spread to other parts of the continent. Each region developed its own distinctive styles and traditions, from the intricate designs of English heraldry to the more simplistic patterns found in Scandinavian coats of arms.
Shield
The shield is the central element of a coat of arms and is typically divided into sections called fields. Each field features a specific color, pattern, or symbol, which represents an aspect of the individual or family’s identity.
Helm
Above the shield, a helm is often depicted, representing the helmet worn by knights in battle. The design of the helmcan vary, depending on the social rank of the person or family.
Crest
The crest is a decorative element that sits atop the helm. It typically includes symbolic representations of animals, plants, or other objects that hold significance for the individual or family.
Colors
Colors in heraldryare known as tinctures, and they carry specific meanings. The primary colors are gold (Or), silver (Argent), red (Gules), blue (Azure), green (Vert), purple (Purpure), and black (Sable).
Patterns
In addition to solid colors, coats of arms may also feature patterns called furs. The two most common furs are ermine, which represents dignity and nobility, and vair, a pattern that symbolizes humility and a willingness to serve.
Symbols
Charges are the various symbols that appear on the shield, and they can be animals, plants, or objects. These symbols often hold personal or cultural significance and are chosen to represent the values, achievements, or history of the individual or family. Some common charges include: 1. Lions, symbolizing courage, strength, and bravery 2. Eagles, representing power, authority, and wisdom 3. Stags, signifying peace, harmony, and a strong connection to nature 4. Roses, embodying beauty, love,...
The Royal Arms of England
The Royal Arms of England is one of the most famous coats of arms in the world. It features three golden lions on a red field, symbolizing the strength, courage, and majesty of the English monarchy. This design dates back to the reign of Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century and has since been adapted and updated by successive monarchs.
The Coat of Arms of Scotland
The Scottish coat of arms is characterized by a red lion rampant on a yellow field, surrounded by a double border adorned with fleurs-de-lis. This design represents the fierce spirit of the Scottish people and their connection to the French monarchy, as seen through the fleurs-de-lis, which are symbols of French royalty.
The Coat of Arms of the Vatican City
The Vatican City’s coat of arms features two crossed keys, symbolizing the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and a tiara, representing the Pope’s authority as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. This design illustrates the dual role of the Pope as both a religious leader and a temporal ruler.
Coats of Arms in Government
Today, coats of arms continue to be used by governments, institutions, and organizations as symbols of their identity and authority. National, regional, and city coats of arms can be found on flags, seals, and other official documents, connecting modern societies to their rich historical roots.
Coats of Arms for Individuals and Families
While the use of coats of arms by individuals and families has declined over time, there is still a thriving community of heraldry enthusiasts who create and maintain their own unique designs. Some people choose to research and adopt the historical coats of arms associated with their surnames, while others opt for custom designs that reflect their values, interests, or personal stories.
Coats of Arms in Popular Culture
Coats of arms have also found a place in popular culture, particularly in fantasy literature, movies, and television series. From the sigils of noble houses in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series to the family crests featured in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” books, these symbols continue to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.
The art of heraldry and coat of arms design is a fascinating window into the past, revealing the stories, values, and aspirations of those who came before us. From the battlefield to the modern boardroom, these intricate and symbolic designs have stood the test of time, continuing to inspire and captivate audiences across the globe. As you now unde...
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 coats of arms from Europe and beyond.
A coat of arms is a heraldic visual design on an escutcheon (i.e., shield), surcoat, or tabard (the latter two being outer garments). The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central element of the full heraldic achievement, which in its whole consists of a shield, supporters, a crest, and a motto.
The elements and grammar of heraldic. design. Provided that a few elementary principles are grasped, enough knowledge of heraldry can be acquired in a relatively short time to enable the student to understand the structure of coats of arms. The multitude of terms used in heraldry need not be worrisome: once the rudiments are learned with some ...
