|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
|
HERALDRY! Here you will find a small amount of information about Heraldry, and what it is, the meaning of its symbols and what the colors symbolize on the various shields, crests, and coats of arms. |
|
Heraldry began in the early Middle Ages of Europe to help the knights and foot soldiers identify each other during a battle. Since all of the knights wore shiny (sometimes) metal armor covering their whole body, they had trouble identifying their allies during a battle. Thus, the noble and knightly families designed patterns and symbols to paint on their shields that would represent their family. These shields were called coats of arms, and any family of noble rank could have one. Peasants of the middle class could earn their own coat of arms by performing a great deed or earning the favors of a nobleman. Many peasants had their own coat of arms that were not recognized by the College. The College was where all the heralds learned their heraldic skills and where all the official records were kept. Families had to be recognized by the College for their coat of arms to be official. Heralds went to school at a very young age and were taught to read and to write. They had to memorize all of the coats of arms that were in existence, and they were used at battles to help determine where the positions of the enemy and allied knights were on the battlefield. Heralds had their own language for describing the shields, called Blazon. All coats of arms were described in this language; it was an abbreviated way to describe what could be a very complicated coat of arms. Metals....
Colors....
Gules..... Red warrior, brave and strong but generous and just; the martyr's color Azure..... Blue truth and loyalty Vert..... Green hope, joy and love Sable..... Black constancy or grief |
|
(In alphabetical order)
Anchor - represents hope
Arrow - symbolizes readiness(for battle)
Battle Axe - symbol of the execution of military duty
Bear - strength, cunning, and protection toward one's own kin
Boar - bravery; one who fights to the death
Boar's head - hospitality
Bow - same as arrow, usually go together
Bull - valor, bravery, generosity; horns represent strength and fortitude
Camel - patience and perseverance
Castle - safety
Cock - courage and perseverance; badge of a hero
Cypress - death and eternal life thereafter
Dolphin - swiftness, diligence, and love(dolphin depicted having scales)
Dragon - valor and protection
Eagle - person of deeds and of noble nature, strength, bravery and alertness - wings symbolize protection
Scallop Shell - traveler to far places; victorious naval commander
Goat - one who wins through politics
Goose - resourcefulness
Griffin - valor and bravery
Hand - sincerity, faith, and judgment
Harp - composed person of tempered judgment; contemplation
Hawk - one who does not rest until he achieves his objective.
Heart, Flaming - intense, burning affection
Heart, Human - clarity and sincerity
Hind (female deer) - peace and harmony
Holly - truth
Horse - readiness for all events
Horseshoe - good luck and safeguard against evil spirits
Laurel - peace and/or triumph
Lightning Bolt - swiftness and power
Lion - dauntless courage
Mermaid - eloquence
Oak Tree - great age and strength; w/ acorns: continuous growth and fertility
Ostrich - willing obedience and serenity
Otter - individual that lives life to fullest
Peacock - beauty, power and knowledge
Pelican - (shown piercing her breast to feed her young) Self-sacrifice, person of charitable nature
Portcullis - protection in an emergency
Rainbow - good times after bad
Ram - leader, represents authority
Raven - divine providence
Rock - symbol of safety and protection; a refuge
Rose, red - grace and beauty
Rose, white - faith and love
Serpent/snake - wisdom
Spear - honorable warrior, valiant knight
Spur - preparedness, readiness for battle
Stag - one who will not fight unless severely provoked ;
Peace and harmony; antlers represent strength and fortitude
Sun - (in splendor) glory and splendor; fountain of life
Swan - poetic harmony and learning
Sword - justice and honor
Tree trunk - (sprouting) new life sprouting from old
Unicorn - extreme courage
Vine tree - strong and lasting friendship
Wheel - fortune
Wings - swiftness and protection
Wolf - reward from perseverance and hard industry
Wyvern - valor and protection
|
|
|
Need a Website? We can build you one!
|
|
|