Crests, also known as coats of arms, are symbolic images that convey information about the bearer, such as their family history, values, accomplishments, or affiliations. Crests often appear on flags, banners, seals, and other items associated with families, institutions, or governments. The symbols and colors used in a crest are not random – they each have a specific meaning and help tell the story of that family or organization. Understanding what the different elements and figures represent provides insight into the history and character of the crest’s bearer.
Elements of a Crest
Crests typically contain several key elements:
– Shield or escutcheon – The main focal point, often depicts symbols or designs associated with the bearer.
– Helm/helmet – Rests above the shield, indicates rank or social status.
– Mantling – Stylized cloth around the top of the crest and helmet. Represents protection and dignity.
– Wreath/torse – Twists of fabric below the helmet, contains the crest’s main colors.
– Crest – Central figure above helmet, often an animal or object.
– Supporters – Creatures or figures that flank the shield. Often real or mythical animals.
– Motto – Phrase at the bottom representing values or identity. May be in Latin or English.
– Compartment – What supporters stand on, such as a grassy mount or seascape.
Common Crest Symbols and Meanings
Here are some of the most common symbols and figures seen on crests and what they represent:
Animals:
– Lion – Courage, strength, royalty. Most common creature in heraldry.
– Eagle – Freedom, vision, power. Symbol of empires and kingdoms.
– Bear – Strength, healing. Associated with native cultures.
– Wolf – Loyalty, perseverance. Symbol of Rome’s founders.
– Fox – Cleverness, intelligence. Displayed by resourceful families.
– Snake – Wisdom, rebirth. Ancient mythical symbol.
– Horse – Readiness for battle, nobility. Known for speed and strength.
– Dog – Loyalty, vigilance. Valued for protection and hunting.
– Dolphin – Swiftness, kindness, salvation. Associated with sea and trade.
Birds:
– Hawk – Nobility, vision. Known for speed and hunting skill.
– Dove – Peace, love. Symbol of the holy spirit.
– Raven – Divine providence, prophecy. Bears messages for the gods.
– Peacock – Beauty, renewal. Early Christian symbol of immortality.
– Rooster – Courage, vigilance. Signals the dawn of each new day.
– Owl – Wisdom, stealth. Ability to see in the dark.
– Eagle – Freedom, power. Symbol of empires and kingdoms.
Mythical Creatures:
– Dragon – Valor, protection. Mythical beast of legend.
– Phoenix – Rebirth, renewal. Rises new from the ashes of fire.
– Unicorn – Purity, innocence. Rare mythical creature.
– Griffin – Vigilance, courage. Has head and wings of eagle, body of lion.
– Mermaid – Eloquence, prophecy. Half woman, half fish creatures.
– Centaur – Chivalry, bravery. Half human, half horse.
– Sea serpent – Power of the sea. Massive ocean monster.
Symbols:
– Crown – Sovereignty, authority. Worn by monarchs and rulers.
– Castle – Safety, security. Fortified structure and stronghold.
– Anchor – Hope, steadfastness. Secures a ship in harbor.
– Arrow – Readiness for war. Associated with archery and hunting.
– Wave – Naval interests, overseas travel. Represents the ocean.
– Star – Divinity, spirituality. Celestial body guiding travelers.
– Crescent moon – Enlightenment, new phases. Waxing and waning moon.
– Sun – Glory, splendor. Giver of light and life.
– Rose – Love, beauty. Timeless romantic flower.
– Lily – Purity, virginity. Prominent in biblical tales.
– Skull – Mortality, penitence. Reminder of human impermanence.
– Sword – Justice, military honor. Weapon of knights and warriors.
– Scale – Fairness, balance. Tool for weighing and judging.
– Hourglass – Passing of time, work ethic. Measure of fleeting lifetime.
Colors
Colors hold meaning in heraldry and often reflect attributes of the crest bearer:
– Red – Military strength, courage. Symbol of blood and sacrifice.
– Blue – Loyalty, faith. Represents sky and sea.
– Green – Hope, joy. Color of nature and growth.
– Black – Constancy, grief. Somber color associated with death.
– White/Silver – Peace, sincerity. Connotes purity and innocence.
– Gold/Yellow – Generosity, wealth. Symbol of sun and prosperity.
– Purple – Justice, sovereignty. Color of royalty and nobility.
Shapes
Common shapes in heraldry also convey symbolic significance:
– Cross – Faith, spirituality. Key symbol of Christianity.
– Triangle – Trinity. Three sides represents Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
– Circle – Eternity, wholeness. No beginning or end.
– Square – Stability, shelter. Symbol of the earth element.
– Pentagon – Power, protection. Five sided shape used in war shields.
– Crescent – New phase, growth. Waxing moon symbol of progress.
– Star – Guidance, spirituality. Celestial light to navigate by.
– Chevron – Protection, architecture. Symbolizes rafters and a roof.
– Lozenge – Honesty, constancy. Diamond shape signifying reliability.
Charges and Ordinaries
In addition to the main crest elements, the shield often displays smaller figures called charges, and geometric bands called ordinaries:
– Charge – A symbolic figure displayed on the shield, such as a lion, anchor, flower, etc. Represents a virtue or value.
– Ordinary – A simple geometric band across the shield with meaning.
– Examples: Chief (authority), bend (strength), chevron (protection), fess (honor), pale (fortitude), etc.
– Complex designs can layer multiple charges and ordinaries together in meaningful patterns.
Beasts
Some tips on common beasts in heraldry:
– Displayed in profile facing dexter (shield bearer’s left).
– Predatory beasts like lions often shown rampant (reared up). Peaceful beasts may be passant (walking).
– Only eagle displayed full-faced. Shows wisdom and neutrality.
– Creatures often stylized rather than realistic. Emphasizes symbolic over literal form.
– Mythical beasts in non-natural colors. Griffin may be part eagle (black) part lion (red).
– Pairs of creatures may support shield or stand as single supporter. Indicates harmony.
Helmet Types
The type of helmet in a crest indicates rank and status:
– Royal crown – Sovereign prince or monarch.
– Jeweled coronet – High ranking peer or clergy.
– Gold barred helmet – Knight or feudal baron.
– Silver barred helmet – Gentleman or esquire.
– Steel helmet – Warrior or soldier.
Mottoes
Mottoes commonly appear under the shield conveying values:
– Typically in Latin but sometimes in English or other languages.
– May reference specific virtues like strength, justice, temperance, etc.
– Often tie to history of the family or origins of surname.
– Religious mottoes reference God or scripture. University mottoes express ideals.
– Grammatical form may vary. Gerundives common (e.g. “Living faithfully”).
– Can take imperative form giving advice (e.g. “Dare to be wise”).
– Pun on family name may create apt motto (e.g. “Ready aye Ready” for Readys).
Conclusion
Crests use meaningful symbols, colors, and imagery to tell the story of those they represent. Studying the language of heraldry provides insight into the values, history, and character of families, institutions and territories across cultures. As more groups design modern crests, the art form continues to be a way to convey identity. While styles and meanings evolve, crests remain visual displays of lineage, virtue, and belonging.
