Crosses on crests are usually symbolic of some Christian experience or sentiment. Figures such as angels and deities represent dignity, glory and honour.
In this post
What are the symbols on a coat of arms?
Even the colors can have special meaning in a “family crest” or coat of arms:
| Color | Heraldic Name | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Gold or Yellow | Or | Generosity and elevation of the mind |
| Silver or White | Argent | Peace and sincerity |
| Red | Gules | Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity |
| Blue | Azure | Truth and loyalty |
What does a cross on a medieval shield mean?
A common design on a shield was a pun on the family last name. For example, the coat of arms for . Some shields showed allegiance to one side in a battle by putting its symbol on their shields. The cross on a coat of arms often meant that the original bearer had been to the Crusades.”
Why is there a cross on a Crown?
The Cross and Crown (a cross passing through a crown) is a Christian symbol used by various Christian denominations. It has also been used in heraldry. The emblem is often interpreted as symbolizing the reward in heaven (the crown) coming after the trials in this life (the cross) (James 1:12).
What does the shield in the cross represent?
It is also widely held among Irish scholars that the circular shield within the cross, in addition to being used as a symbol for the sun, also represents Christ’s influence over all things -length, breadth, height and depth.
What’s the difference between a family crest and a coat of arms?
The coat of arms generally refers to the, cape, shield, crest and helmet, while the family crest technically only refers to the small image that lies on the helm (top of the helmet). The family crest is a component of a coat of arms, which can be used as a simplified symbol when the full coat of arms is too detailed.
How do you decode a coat of arms?
Colors had meanings for each family.
- Gold: generosity and elevation of the mind.
- Silver or white: peace and sincerity.
- Red: warrior or martyr, also military strength or magnanimity.
- Blue: truth and loyalty.
- Green: hope, joy, and loyalty in love.
- Black: constancy.
- Purple: royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice.
What is a heraldic cross called?
Cross fourchy (fourchée) One form of the heraldic cross fourchy or cross fourche (croix fourchée meaning “forked”).
What does the Templars cross mean?
martyrdom
The red cross that the Templars wore on their robes was a symbol of martyrdom, and to die in combat was considered a great honour that assured a place in heaven.
What is the Templar symbol called?
Red Cross – a well-known image associated with the Knights Templar is the Red Cross, a symbol of martyrdom. The knights felt it was an honor to die in battle while protecting the Holy land and the pilgrims.
What does a Celtic cross look like?
The Celtic Cross is basically a Latin cross with a circle of light, or a halo intersecting it. This cross also known as the Irish cross or the cross of Iona is a famous Christian symbol that has its roots in paganism.
Is it a cross on the top of a crown?
A cross is the decoration located at the highest level of a crown on top of the monde.
What cross is on British crown?
The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, 1661
It was transformed in 1910 for George V by the addition of the spectacular Cullinan I diamond. At 530.2 carats, it is the largest colourless cut diamond in the world.
What does a red cross on a white shield mean?
In heraldry, Saint George’s Cross, the Cross of Saint George, is a red cross on a white background, which from the Late Middle Ages became associated with Saint George, the military saint, often depicted as a crusader.
What does a red cross on a shield mean?
Their only shield is the red cross emblem. The emblem is a symbol of protection that international law gives to the wounded and sick, and those caring for them, in armed conflict. They convey to those fighting that they must not attack anyone or anything that displays these emblems.
What is the Trinity triangle?
In the Christian faith the triangular shape is associated with the Holy Trinity, i.e. the unity of God Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Therefore many of the catalogued triangular objects are bound with the patrocinium of the Holy Trinity.
Can I use my family crest?
Finding a Family’s Coat of Arms
Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families or surnames. A form of property, coats of arms may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male-line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted.
Can anyone have coat of arms?
For any person to have a right to a coat of arms they must either have had it granted to them or be descended in the legitimate male line from a person to whom arms were granted or confirmed in the past.
How can I make my family crest legal?
To register such arms, the applicant must show that the immigrant had the legal right to bear the arms in his country of origin. If he bore them by inheritance from an ancestor, a documented pedigree proving his descent from a person who can be documented as entitled to the arms must be provided.
What is a motto on a coat of arms?
A slogan is used in Scottish heraldry as a heraldic motto or a secondary motto. It usually appears above the crest on a coat of arms, though sometimes it appears as a secondary motto beneath the shield. The word slogan dates from 1513.
Does a family crest mean royalty?
As centuries passed, the original meaning of the crest was often forgotten, and it simply became an identifying symbol for a family of high rank or nobility.