As we’re learning, family crests are limited only by one’s imagination. Although it may be disappointing to find out that the chances of having legitimate claim to a family crest going back just one or two generations are pretty slim, the beauty of it is that these days, anyone can create his or her own family crest.
In this post
Can anyone have a family crest?
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.
Can someone make their own family crest?
There is always an option to create a crest for yourself or your family from scratch. It may not be “official,” but it can be fun to customize a coat of arms that is specific to you, your interests, hobbies, family history, philosophy, or religion, to name a few examples.
How do you create a family crest?
Think about your history, your profession, the number of children you have, your hobbies, and your interests. Any of those can be used as a symbol for your crest. Narrow it down to a few specifics. Choose symbols to represent your ideas.
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 common are family crests?
Unfortunately, they’re rarer than you might think. Most commonly, only nobility or high-class families in medieval Europe had them because they were granted by kings to recognize achievements.
How do you know if you have a family crest?
You will most likely find a family crest for the original spelling of your family name. If you have traced the records back to an ancestor who had the original spelling, then it is still your coat of arms, even though the name may be spelled differently in your line today.
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.
What does a family crest need?
Understanding the Basic Crest
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. Colors, animals or other artwork and mottoes are all additional choices to make.
Can you combine two family crests?
To marshal two or more coats of arms and/or crests means to combine them into one shield and crest design. This may be done to represent the union of two families in marriage, to express inheritance, or the occupation of an office or management of a business.
What does a crown mean on a family crest?
Crown. The crown is an emblem of victory, sovereignty, and empire in heraldry. It is a visible sign of success, thus the term ‘crowning achievement’, and its significance as the decoration of the ultimate level of rank and power, makes bearing the crown a great honour.
Are Irish family crests real?
The Origins of Family Crests in Ireland…
They began marking their shields with emblems to identify themselves for the tournaments or battles. Today, Irish family crests are governed by the Office of the Chief Herald. Any approved coat of arms is listed in the Register of Arms and has been since 1552.
Do most families have a family crest?
Answer: Most of us find heraldry fascinating, but few Americans are entitled to claim coat of arms. If we are, we’re going to have to trace our family back through the centuries to the Middles Ages. The chances that your noble ancestor bore the same surname you inherited are slim.
What are the leaves around a crest called?
In heraldry, a torse or wreath is a twisted roll of fabric laid about the top of the helmet and the base of the crest. It has the dual purpose of masking the join between helm and crest, and of holding the mantling in place.
What does a lion mean on a family crest?
courage
It traditionally symbolises courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness and valour, because historically the lion has been regarded as the “king of beasts”.
What does red mean in coat of arms?
courage
Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. ♦ In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is the color found in many national flags. ♦
What do colors mean in family crests?
Red (Gules) = Military fortitude and also magnanimity. Blue (Azure) =Loyalty and in addition, truth. Black (Sable) =Constancy, and sometimes grief. Green (Vert) = Hope, joy and also loyalty in love. Purple (Purpure) Royal majesty, sovereignty and also justice.
What does a snake mean on a coat of arms?
wisdom & medicine
SNAKE: A common heraldic charge, emblematic of wisdom & medicine. SPEAR: In its many forms, symbolizes a knight in service. SPUR: An emblem of readiness to do battle.
What does blue mean on a family crest?
Truth and loyalty
Even the colors can have special meaning in a “family crest” or coat of arms:
| Color | Heraldic Name | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Azure | Truth and loyalty |
| Green | Vert | Hope, joy, and loyalty in love |
| Black | Sable | Constancy or grief |
| Purple | Purpure | Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice |
What does a duck mean on a coat of arms?
It is also a bird of great courage in battle that will fight, if necessary, to the death. Therefore, in heraldry, it is an emblem of vigilance and courage.