HERALDRY

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 amour 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.

Symbols and Their Meanings
(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
· 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
· 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
· Oak Tree - great age and strength; w/ acorns: continuous growth and fertility
· Ostrich - willing obedience and serenity
· Otter - individual who lives life to fullest
· Peacock - beauty, power and knowledge
· Pelican - (shown piercing her breast to feed her young) self-sacrifice, person of charitable nature
· 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
· Wheel - fortune
· Wings - swiftness and protection
· Wolf - reward from perseverance and hard industry

Colors and Symbolism


Gold generosity and elevation of mind
Silver peace and sincerity
red warrior, brave and strong but generous and just; the martyr's color
blue truth and loyalty
green hope, joy, and love
black  constancy or grief


Images for Coat of Arms Worksheet

 A to B
 C and D
E to H
 L to P
 R to W

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