A family crest, also known as a coat of arms, is a heraldic symbol that represents a particular family or individual. Family crests often consist of a shield, helmet, crest, motto, and other elements that identify the family. While family crests are often associated with noble families and aristocracy, they have become more popular and accessible over time. This raises the question – do all families have a family crest?
The short answer is no, not all families have a formal family crest. Historically, family crests were granted to families of high social standing, like royalty, aristocrats, knights, and landed gentry. They served as a symbol of status and identity. Regular families or commoners did not have rights to a coat of arms for much of history.
However, in recent centuries, the use of family crests has expanded beyond the nobility. Today, many everyday families are designing and adopting their own unique family crests, even if they do not have a historic right to hereditary arms. The popularity of genealogy research and services that offer custom coat of arms has made it possible for any family to create a crest if they wish.
So while coats of arms are not universal to all families, more and more families are embracing the tradition of having their own symbolic representation. Whether descended from nobility or not, families can choose to create and use a family crest that captures their history, values, and identity.
The History of Family Crests
Family crests have a long and storied history across different cultures. Here is an overview of the origins and traditions of family crests:
Heraldry in Medieval Europe
– Heraldry as a system originated in Medieval Europe during the 12th century CE. Armorial bearings were used to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield.
– Coats of arms were granted by the monarch and passed down through hereditary rights. They signified royal authority.
– The use of crests, colors, and symbols enabled quick identification of allies and enemies. This was important in combat.
– Only the highest levels of nobility had the right to hereditary arms. Commoners and peasants did not have family crests.
Japanese Mon
– In Japan, family crests are known as mon or monsho. Mon date back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE).
– Unlike European arms, mon were adopted by aristocratic families, samurai clans, and sometimes commoners.
– Simple, geometric designs were common – circles, triangles, crests, flowers. They often appeared on flags, armor, and clothing.
– Mon conveyed information about the family’s status, history, and allegiances.
Clan Badges of Scottish Clans
– Scottish clans used badges or emblems to identify themselves from as early as the 13th century.
– Clan chiefs would choose a plant or object that symbolized their territory or history. Members would wear the badge.
– Over time, these evolved into more elaborate coats of arms adopted by the entire clan.
– Clan badges are still used today and represent Scottish cultural identity. The thistle, heather, pine tree, and fern are common symbols.
Types of Families That Traditionally Used Crests
Throughout history, there have been certain types of families that customarily used crests to represent themselves. This includes:
Noble Families
– Kings, queens, princes, dukes, and other royalty typically had elaborate coats of arms. For example, the British royal family has a coat of arms depicting a lion and unicorn.
– Aristocrats like barons, viscounts, and lords often had hereditary rights to a crest. Their arms displayed symbols of nobility like coronets.
– Coats of arms helped identify the lineage and status of noble families across generations.
Knightly Families
– Knights, who pledged service to lords, were granted the right to a coat of arms beginning in the 12th century.
– A knight’s crest was often displayed on his shield, banner, and stallion’s caparison (decorative covering). This identified him in tournaments and on the battlefield.
– A knight’s crest could be passed down to his descendants as long as a male heir survived.
Landed Gentry
– NON-NOBLE LANDOWNERS ADOPTED THEIR OWN CRESTS AS A SYMBOL OF THEIR WEALTH AND INFLUENCE.
– LOCAL ARMORIAL BEARINGS IDENTIFIED THE FAMILY TO TENANTS AND NEIGHBORS.
– LANDED GENTRY INCLUDED BARONETS, ESQUIRES, GENTLEMEN, AND OTHERS.
– THEIR CRESTS OFTEN FEATURED SYMBOLS OF THEIR PROPERTY OR DEEDS.
The Symbolism of Colors and Images
Family crests utilize colors, images, shapes, and heraldic symbols that have meaning. Here are some of the most common elements and their significance:
Colors
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Strength, courage, valor |
| Blue | Loyalty, truth, faithfulness |
| Black | Constancy, wisdom |
| Green | Hope, joy, fertility |
| Purple | Justice, sovereignty, royalty |
| White | Peace, innocence |
Common Symbols
| Image | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lion | Courage, strength, royalty |
| Unicorn | Purity, innocence, masculinity |
| Eagle | Nobility, vision, power |
| Rose | Beauty, balance, passion |
| Oak leaves | Strength, endurance, tradition |
| Crown | Authority, sovereignty |
Colors, images, and shapes on a family crest visually tell the story of that family and what they value. The symbolism has meaning across generations.
The Process of Creating New Family Crests
While family crests were historically tied to nobility, any family can create their own coat of arms today. Here are some tips for designing a personal or family crest:
Research Your History
– Look into your family origins, surname meanings, genealogy, family values, and traditions for inspiration.
– Identify symbols that represent your legacy. Use family photos and keepsakes.
Start with a Shield Outline
– Most family crests feature a shield or heraldic shape. This provides the framework.
– Consider a traditional shape like a roundel, lozenge, heater shield, or oval.
Add Meaningful Symbols
– Include images that symbolize your family, like animals, plants, creatures, or icons.
– Use colors that reflect family traits – strength, loyalty, joy. Limit to 2-3 colors.
Include a Motto
– A motto is a short phrase that captures family values, history, or beliefs.
– It can be in Latin or English. Examples: “Integrity above all”, “Home is where the heart is.”
Optional Decorative Elements
– Crests, helmets, coronets, ribbons, and flourishes can accentuate the shield.
– Add other personal touches to make it unique.
Modern Usage of Family Crests
While no longer required to identify noble status, family crests today are used in many creative ways:
Tattoos
– Family crests or elements of them are popular as tattoos. People get them to honor their family heritage.
– They can include initials, coat of arms, family symbols, surname meaning, and motto.
Jewelry
– Wearing a family crest on a ring, pendant, brooch, cufflinks, or bracelet celebrates family pride.
– It can feature the entire coat of arms or focus on specific symbols.
Home Décor
– Family crests are displayed on wall art, flags, dishes, furniture, and other decorative items.
– Welcome mats, door knockers, and outdoor signs frequently highlight the family crest.
Clothing and Accessories
– Adding a family crest or element to hats, shirts, sweatshirts, and bags identifies ancestry.
– Monogrammed items may integrate the family crest motif.
Weddings
– At weddings, family crests symbolize the joining of two families.
– Brides/grooms display crests on invitations, gifts, reception décor, and favors for guests.
Acquiring an Official Family Crest
For a more formalized family crest, there are still ways to acquire official coat of arms:
Heraldic Authorities
– In the UK, Canada, and South Africa, heraldic authorities still grant new arms to apply for.
– You must prove direct descent from an armigerous ancestor. Research genealogical records.
– The process involves petitioning for the right to arms, fees, and design approval.
Civic Heraldry
– Some cities and towns provide arms to local families who have resided there for generations.
– This is common in places with heraldic traditions like Germany, Netherlands, Ireland.
– Civic arms incorporate symbols of the family’s contributions to the locality.
New Armigerous Societies
– Private armigerous societies formed in the 20th century to grant new arms.
– Unlike royal authorities, these clubs are open to anyone for a membership fee.
– They help with designing and registering new coats of arms for members.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traditionally only noble families had hereditary rights to coats of arms signifying their status. The use of family crests has expanded over the centuries, however, as cultural interest in heraldry has grown. Today, families of all backgrounds have the option to adopt meaningful symbols that reflect their history and values in the form of a family crest. With numerous ways to use and display these crests, they remain a popular way to celebrate lineage and identity.