What do the coat of arms mean?

coat of arms, the principal part of a system of hereditary symbols dating back to early medieval Europe, used primarily to establish identity in battle. Arms evolved to denote family descent, adoption, alliance, property ownership, and, eventually, profession.

What needs to be in a coat of arms?

The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central element of the full heraldic achievement which in its whole consists of: shield, supporters, crest, and motto. A coat of arms is traditionally unique to an individual person, family, state, organization or corporation.

What are the parts of coat of arms?

Formally known as an achievement, armorial achievement, or heraldic achievement, what is commonly referred to as a “coat of arms” consists of several parts: the shield, the mantling, the helm, the wreath, charges, and the crest (note that not all arms have crests).

What is the charge on a coat of arms?

In heraldry, a charge is any emblem or device occupying the field of an escutcheon (shield). That may be a geometric design (sometimes called an ordinary) or a symbolic representation of a person, animal, plant, object, building, or other device.

Can I create a coat of arms for my family?

It is also possible to design an entirely unique crest that will represent the family as it is today. A family coat of arms has several basic components. These individual parts include the shield, the mantling and the helm and wreath. Some, but not all, also include a crest.

What animals can be on a coat of arms?

Beasts

Felines. The lion. The heraldic tyger is an imaginary monster; where the natural beast appears it is blazoned as a Bengal tiger.
Canines. Fox. Hound (dog).
Bear.
Brock or (badger)
Weasels such as the Ermine (stoat)
Otter.
Thylacine.

What animals represent on a coat of arms?

Animals were frequently used as a main charge in coats of arms. They were shown in certain traditional postures (usually in positions of combat). Usually the animals chosen were fierce and ferocious looking or they represented positive traits such as wisdom, resourcefulness and loyalty.

What does it mean to have coat of arms?

Coat of arms. A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield, escutcheon, surcoat, or tabard . A coat of arms is used to cover, protect, and identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as “coat-armour”, because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth in European societies.

What are some examples of coat of arms?

The definition of a coat of arms is a shield with symbols and figures that represent a family, person, a group or other organization. An example of a coat of arms is a family crest.

What is the symbolism of the coat of arms?

The arms on a coat of arms here consists of shaped lines. They represent the four elements air, earth or land, fire, and water . They can be found in the shield of the coat of arms. Symbols that are found within the shield of a coat of arms will signify the relationship to the original grantee, or father .

What do the colors on the coat of arms mean?

A coat of arms often contains colors. Each color has a particular meaning. The color yellow or gold represents generosity and elevation of the mind. White or silver represents peace and sincerity. Red represents military strength, blue stands for truth and loyalty and green represents hope, joy and loyalty in love.

What do the coat of arms mean? coat of arms, the principal part of a system of hereditary symbols dating back to early medieval Europe, used primarily to establish identity in battle. Arms evolved to denote family descent, adoption, alliance, property ownership, and, eventually, profession. What needs to be in a coat of arms? The…