Coat of arms are customized emblems used to signify various family names and values. Each part of a coat of arms, from the color to the motto, serve as a symbol. Coat of arms became popular due to their use in military campaigns during medieval times and were subsequently used as military status symbols throughout Europe.
Coat of Arms Elements
Coat of arms typically include a shield, helm, crest, wreath and mantle. Each aspect of the coat of arms is used to symbolize one aspect of the coat bearer. For example, the shield represents the origin of the coat as well as the time period in which the coat was founded. The helm represents the bearer's rank and century represented, while the colors each represent a value or trait of the bearer. However, not all aspect of the coat of arms are official pieces, such as the crest and mantle.
Heraldic Lines
The lines engraved on a coat each have a symbolic representation. For example, a red nebuly line that contains oval indentations at the bottom represents clouds of air, while a wavy line represents a sea of water. An engrailed line that has small curves with indented edges represents earth or land, while an indented line with small triangular indentations at the bottom represents fire. A dancette line with large triangular indentations at the bottom represents water and a raguly line that contains parallelogram indentations at both the bottom and top represents difficulties encountered. An embattled line with square indentations at the top represents a fortress or town. A heraldic line can be engraved in various places on the shield.
Colors
Each color provides a pre-defined meaning, but colors can also hold a special significance to members of a family crest. Gold symbolizes generosity while silver and white represent peace and sincerity. Red symbolizes warrior, martyr or military strength, while blue represents truth and loyalty. Green represents hope and joy, while black represents constancy or grief. Purple represents royal magistrate, sovereignty, and justice, while orange represents worthy ambition. The final color, maroon, represents patience in battle.
Common Symbols
There are thousands of heraldic symbols, however, some are more common than others. For example, an acorn represents antiquity and strength, while an Allerion, a mythical creature that resembles an eagle, represents strength of will. Symbols vary from plants to animals to weapons. For example, an ant represents great labour and wisdom, while an anvil represents honor. An arrow or dart represents readiness, while an axe represents execution of military duty.
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