How to Interpret the Heraldry

The Meaning of The Coat of Arms

The coat of arms insignia identified a person in the past in the same manner as a surname does today. The coat of arms was even more specific since there are many families with the same surname, but an identical coat of arms was used only by those of one blood.
 
Devices on a shield were selected by the first bearer of the shield for what ever reason that seemed good to him or for no reason at all. Similar as you choose given names for your children.
 
Firms and professionals selling coats of arms reproductions frequently give elaborate explanations of the various "meanings of arms." Examples such as: that the cross indicates an ancestor involved in the Crusades, the owl indicates the family was noted for wisdom, and so forth. This is purely imaginary, as the original crafters of the arms did not give his reasons and no one knows what motivated him. Of course, it is interesting to interpret the "charges" and colors in accordance with their symbolical meanings.  Just as it is interesting to know the symbolical meanings of Christian names. It is probable, that "meaning" was very seldom  a  factor in the selection of symbol or color, except as that particular device might have symbolized some personal experience for the first holder. More likely the owl might  have been chosen because of some unusual experience the owner had with the bird than because he thought his wisdom was that of an owl.
 
A knowledge of the component parts of armorial bearings is very necessary to one's understanding of the emblems. Often we speak of a "crest" when we mean an "achievement."
The coat of arms itself is the "shield" or "escutcheon." It represents an ancient piece of defensive armor on the face of which, known as the field, are emblazoned the charges or bearings in definite fixed colors. Together they constitute a coat of arms. This is the most
essential of all the armorial insignia.
 
When the shield and crest are grouped and displayed, including the helmet, the wreath, the mantling, and, in the case of a peer, the supporters, if any, all this is known as an "achievement" and not a crest.
 
An heraldic description (or Blazon) of a coat of arms only describes the shield and the crest. The person painting the arms decides the grouping of the remainder of the achievement. There are rules to follow in this even though not stated in the description of the arms.  Since it is assumed that the heraldic artist knows them and will draw the achievement accordingly.

It has been said that every coat of arms commemorates some glorious achievement of some unfortunately forgotten ancestor. Of all the coats of arms in existence, it is doubtful if more than a few hundred are truly capable of such explanation. Arms in ancient days were used for purposes of distinction. They were often a pun on a man's name or on the name of his lands, and were generally due to some such cause.

Color Meanings

 Learn more about the Blazon - The Language of Arms

© 2007  updated  01/08/2007

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