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.
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What are the parts of a 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 do the symbols on a coat of arms mean?
Colours and symbol meanings
Gold (or): generosity and elevation of the mind. Silver or white (argent): peace and sincerity. Red: warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity. Blue: truth and loyalty. Green: hope, joy, and loyalty in love.
How do you read a coat of arms?
Heraldic Ordinaries
- Fess = horizontal stripe across the shield.
- Pale = vertical stripe down the shield.
- Bend = diagonal stripe.
- Chevron = like a house gable, pointing upwards.
- Cross = a plain cross.
- Saltire = a ‘St. Andrew’s cross’
- Chief = bar across top edge of shield.
- Bordure = border round edges of shield.
What animals are 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)
- Martens.
- Weasels such as the Ferret and the Ermine (stoat)
- Otter.
- Thylacine.
What are three things that are on the coat of arms?
Coats of arms featured several key aspects including a shield, a helmet and mantle, a wreath, and a crest.
What are the words on a crest called?
The official, written description of the coat of arms is called the “blazon of arms,” such as “azure, a fess argent between in chief two fleurs-de-lis and in base a lion passant of the same.” The blazon may seem like a foreign language, but it is simply a system of code words to denote colors, placement, and styling by
What does a lightning bolt mean on a coat of arms?
The heraldic figure is used in these coats of arms to represent electricity (especially telecommunications ). Newer heraldry also has the zigzag, arrow-headed lightning bolt.
What does a circle mean on a coat of arms?
The annulet may have been borne to indicate that the bearer had the superior qualities of a knight. In some circles an annulet represented riches. On English arms, an annulet was a mark of cadency signifying the fifth son.
What is the difference between coat of arms and family crest?
Although some people refer to a “family crest” and a “coat of arms” interchangeably, there is a difference. A crest is an element or part of a coat of arms, but not the entire arms. On a coat of arms, the crest is found above the shield, usually on top of a helmet.
Does every family have a coat of arms?
Coats of arms are inherited in the male line and so are surnames. But a coat of arms is granted or confirmed to one person and their descendants in the legitimate male line so only that family group will be entitled to the coat of arms, not everybody of that surname.
Is it rare to have a family crest?
However, actually having a coat of arms or family crest is much rarer than you might imagine. Having the hereditary right to use it is even rarer.
What does a lion mean on a coat of arms?
courage
The lion is a common charge in heraldry. It traditionally symbolises courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness and valour, because historically the lion has been regarded as the “king of beasts”.
What does the helmet mean on a coat of arms?
Helmet. The helmet supports the crest. Positioning of the helmet represents rank: For example, a helmet facing forward with the visor opened means a knight, while a helmet facing side-ways with the visor closed is for a gentleman.
What is the most important part of a coat of arms?
The coat of arms proper is the shield – the most important part of the heraldic achievement. In medieval times, knights would identify themselves with the designs on their shields, so each shield needed to have a unique design.
What is the difference between a badge and a crest?
In sport, a crest is the term used to describe a logo used by a sports club. Such a logo is also often termed a badge. The logos of many clubs are inspired by heraldic design. The use of the term crest to describe a logo derives from the misconception that a crest refers to any emblem that is heraldic.
What are the four main parts of the coat of arms?
Parts of a Coat of Arms
- Shield. The shield is the central shape on which the colours and symbols that make up the coat of arms are placed.
- Helmet and mantling. The helmet placed above the shield recalls the origins of heraldry.
- Crest and wreath.
- Motto.
- Supporters and Compartment.
What does blue mean in 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 do scallop shells on a coat of arms mean?
escallop or scallop
Frequently appearing as an inanimate heraldic charge, the escallop shell initially served as an emblem for pilgrims. From this early usage derived its later employment in heraldry, as a sign of long voyages to distant lands. It symbolized piety, victory and warrior spirit.
What does a crescent moon mean on a coat of arms?
The crescent stands for one who has been ‘enlightened and honoured by the gracious aspect of his sovereign’. It is also borne as a symbol of the hope of greater glory in heraldry.
What does fire mean on a coat of arms?
Different types of dividing lines, borders, sections, etc. can all have meaning.
| Heraldic Name | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Invected | Earth or land |
| Indented | Fire |
| Dancette | Water |
| Raguly | Difficulties that have been encountered |