Animals have been used as symbols on coats of arms for centuries. The animals chosen often represent the virtues, strengths or characteristics of the person or family the coat of arms represents. Some animals symbolize bravery, others perseverance, and so on. Coats of arms first appeared in medieval times as a way to distinguish jousters on the battlefield. Later they were used to identify nobles and knights. Today many families, countries, towns and organizations use coats of arms. Understanding the symbolism behind the animals on a coat of arms provides insight into the meaning of the coat of arms.
Lions
The lion is one of the most common animal symbols used on coats of arms. The lion has long been considered the king of beasts and a symbol of kingly authority. Lions represent courage, strength, majesty and leadership. Lions are fierce hunters and fighters with great power, which is why they are seen as the protector of hearth and home. A lion symbolizes someone who is brave and fierce in the defense of his land and subjects.
Throughout history, lions have been popular symbols for rulers and ruling families. The lion was used as the symbol of the antique Kingdom of Judah. It was later adopted as the symbol of the medieval Kingdom of Armenia. It appears in the coat of arms of several European countries as the defender of the nation. Among others, it appears on the arms of Bulgaria, Finland, and the coat of arms and flag of Sri Lanka. Lions also frequently appear in the coats of arms of numerous British noble families and clans.
The lion passant (walking lion) symbolizes courage, generosity and nobility. The lion rampant (reared up) represents someone who is ready for action. The lion statant (standing) symbolizes someone who is strong, vigilant and prepared. A crowned lion represents a powerful ruler.
Eagles
The eagle is another popular animal symbol used in coats of arms, representing courage, strength and immortality. It is also considered the king of the skies, protecting its domain from invaders. An eagle has sharp vision which represents perceptiveness. Its ability to soar high represents someone with lofty ambitions. Eagles are eager hunters, showing determination. They have mighty wings representing power and authority.
The eagle features prominently on the Great Seal of the United States, clutching arrows and an olive branch as the defender of the nation. It symbolizes courage, strength and freedom. The double-headed eagle was used as the emblem of the Byzantine Empire and later taken up as the symbol of Tsarist Russia. It is meant to show dominance and control over east and west. The Nazi Party in Germany used the double-headed eagle as well. Today it represents the duality of eastern and western cultures.
Bears
Bears can represent courage, strength and ferocity. Their great size and territorial nature gives them the meaning of authority and dominion over the surrounding area. Bears are fierce protectors of their cubs, representing devoted guardianship. They are incredibly strong and their claws show their power to tear apart enemies, meaning they won’t back down from a fight.
The black bear and grizzly bear are native to North America and are popular symbols in family crests and flags of Native American tribes, as well as some states. California’s state flag features a brown bear walking steadily over a patch of green grass. The bear represents strength and perseverance.
Wolves
The wolf symbolizes guardianship, ritual, loyalty, and spirit. Wolves live in close-knit packs displaying great loyalty to the group. They defend their territory against intruders, meaning they are excellent guardians. Some Native American tribes consider the wolf to be a guide or pathfinder. The wolf is sometimes shown howling at the moon, meant to illustrate a connection to nature and wild spaces. Their mournful howling is associated with initiation rituals and a connection to the spirit world.
In England, the wolf stands for valor and loyalty. A wolf may also represent an evil lurking in the woods, representing the devil tempting people to sin. Along with the lion, the wolf symbol appears on the coat of arms of numerous English noble families as a guardian protector.
Deer
Stags and bucks frequently appear on coats of arms and represent peace, harmony and longevity. Deer have a gentle nature but the antlers show they can defend themselves. Since deer shed and regrow their antlers, they represent regeneration and fertility. A deer is associated with spiritual authority. The deer’s ability to find new grass symbolizes prosperity. Its long life means longevity. The stag’s keen senses represent guidance along the right path.
Foxes
Foxes represent intelligence and cleverness. Their ability to outwit dogs and farmers when stealing chickens means someone wise who can outthink opponents. The phrase “crafty like a fox” refers to the fox’s ingenuity in trickery and sneaking. However, some view the fox as a symbol of deception and craftiness for its misleading ways.
Bears
Bears can represent courage, strength and ferocity. Their great size and territorial nature gives them the meaning of authority and dominion over the surrounding area. Bears are fierce protectors of their cubs, representing devoted guardianship. They are incredibly strong and their claws show their power to tear apart enemies, meaning they won’t back down from a fight.
The black bear and grizzly bear are native to North America and are popular symbols in family crests and flags of Native American tribes, as well as some states. California’s state flag features a brown bear walking steadily over a patch of green grass. The bear represents strength and perseverance.
Dragons
The dragon is a legendary creature representing strength, ferocity, and power. Though often associated with evil forces threatening humanity, dragons can also represent guardianship. The dragons of Chinese culture are seen as protective benefactors. Dragons represent dominion over all things, particularly control of water, rain, floods and rivers. A dragon symbolizes a fiercely protective ruler.
Dragons are popular mascots in Europe associated with military might and heroism. The dragon appears on the flag of Wales. In England it is part of the coat of arms of the West Saxons. It also can warn of threats from the sea. Some legends say dragons protected the British Isles from invading Saxons. The Vikings used dragons to strike fear in enemies. They adorned their ships with dragons to intimidate those on shore as they approached.
Horses
The horse frequently appears on coats of arms as a symbol of honor, loyalty, strength and heroism. Throughout history, horses have carried their riders into battle, making them associated with courage during war. Their speed makes them a symbol of mobility. Horses love to run, representing someone who loves freedom. A winged horse represents heroic deeds.
The horse is featured on the state seal of New Jersey. It represents the importance of the horse breeding industry during colonial times. The coat of arms of Ferrara, Italy shows a black horse reared up on its hind legs, representing pride, nobility and readiness for battle. White horses are symbols of the sun, while black ones represent the underworld.
Snakes
Though often seen as a symbol of temptation and evil, serpents and snakes can sometimes have a positive meaning on a coat of arms. In Ancient Egypt and Classical Greece, snakes represented wisdom. A snake shedding its skin represents renewal, transformation and longevity. A pair of fighting snakes symbolizes war. A snake wrapped around a rod is an ancient medical symbol associated with wellness. It remains associated with doctors, hospitals and healthcare.
However, a snake can also represent threats, danger and toxic words. A Christian symbol of good triumphing over evil is a lion or eagle devouring a serpent. A crowned snake represents poisoning and corruption of a monarch. Snakes on a family crest may be a sign of protection and healing. But they can also mean deceit and dishonesty if depicted in certain positions.
Birds
Eagles represent nobility, courage and immortality. But many other birds hold symbolic meaning as well. Owls represent wisdom, intelligence and watchfulness. Ravens signify prophecy, insights and long life. Cranes symbolize solitude, independence and longevity. Peacocks represent integrity and the beauty in spirituality. Ducks represent water, calmness, adaptability and family. Geese represent home, teamwork and communication.
Different types of birds can illustrate personality traits as well. Songbirds like nightingales represent joy and harmony. Birds of prey, like falcons and hawks, represent aggression and fierceness. Game birds, like pheasants, represent opulence, prosperity and organization. Swans epitomize grace, beauty, partnerships and transformation.
Fantastical Creatures
Coats of arms also sometimes feature fantastical creatures from myths and legends. The phoenix rising from flames represents renewal, rebirth and immortality. Unicorns personify virtue, power and moral integrity. Mermaids and mermen represent seduction and prophecy. Griffins guard treasure and stand for courage and leadership.
Creatures from myths and legends represent virtues and qualities associated with the stories from which they originate. They illustrate larger-than-life traits and therefore amplify the intended symbolic meaning.
Conclusion
The animals appearing on coats of arms carry deep symbolism about the bearer. Ferocious creatures like lions, bears and dragons convey bravery. Soaring creatures like eagles and griffins represent ambition and leadership. Graceful creatures like swans and deer represent dignity and peacefulness. Wolves represent loyalty, snakes cunning, and owls wisdom. Each creature has attributes assigned to it through stories, myths and legends. Careful selection of animals on a coat of arms reveals much about the individual, family or organization it represents. Over centuries, a complex symbolism around animals has developed that lives on in heraldry today.
| Animal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lion | Courage, strength, royalty |
| Eagle | Courage, immortality, power |
| Bear | Strength, perseverance |
| Wolf | Loyalty, guardianship |
| Deer | Peace, longevity |
| Fox | Intelligence, trickery |
| Dragon | Strength, dominion |
| Horse | Honor, freedom |
| Snake | Wisdom, threats |
| Birds | Varies by type |
| Fantasy creatures | Mythical virtues |
