Family Coat of Arms Explanation (2024)

What is a Coat of Arms?

Heraldry arose in the 11^th and 12^th centuries, around the time of the Crusades, a series of military campaigns undertaken by Christian armies from 1096 to 1487. In battle, a knight dressed head to toe in armor would not be recognizable to friend or foe, so a new method of identification became necessary. The shield, heraldry’s most recognizable component, provided a broad, flat surface on which to paint colors and symbols assigned to a particular nobleman and his knights. A nobleman also usually wore an outer garment called a surcoat to protect him from the heat of the sun, often decorated with the same devices that appeared on a knight’s shield. It is from this garment that the phrase “coat of arms” is derived.

The origins of heraldry stretch back into ancient times. Warriors often decorated their shields with patterns and mythological motifs. Army units of the Roman Empire were identified by the distinctive markings on their shields. These were not heraldic in the medieval sense, as they were associated with military units, not individuals or families.

The Heraldic Description of a Coat of Arms

The official, written description of the coat of arms is called the “blazon of arms”. The blazon may seem like a foreign language, but it is simply a system of code words to denote colors, placement, and styling by using an economy of words.

Much of the design for a modern depiction of a given coat of arms is more the artist’s preference or the style of a particular herald, and not a part of any particular blazon. The mantling and the banners for names and mottoes, for example, are not an official element of the blazon of arms. Some historians attach a significance to the design of the helm or helmet as representative of a certain century or social status, but there are differences of opinion on this matter.

Colors & Meaning in a "family crest" or Coat of Arms

The Escutcheon or Shield

The shield is the essential component of an armorial achievement; without it there can be no full heraldic display. Armorial bearings are generally referred to more briefly asarmsor asa coat of arms, a term derived from the surcoat of silk or linen worn over the armor to keep off the rays of the sun and to delay the formation of rust on the armor. Thesurcoatis a garment resembling a waistcoat that displays the same heraldic insignia as the shield.

Every other object in a full heraldic achievement is dependent upon the shield or coat of arms.

The Crest

The Wreath or Torse

The Helmet or Helm

The Mantling

Mottoes

Supporters

Supporters are two matching figures that are usually depicted holding up either side of the shield. Supporters are traditionally beasts, birds, monsters, humans or mythical animals. Today, their use is generally limited to civic and municipal coats of arms, or for people who have achieved great notoriety. The figures may be real or imaginary animals, humans, or in rare cases, plants or inanimate objects.

Occasionally, the coat of arms will feature just one single supporter, which is generally an eagle with one or two heads, although there are other examples.

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