A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield, surcoat or tabard. Coats of arms were used by knights to identify themselves in tournaments and on the battlefield. The art and practice of designing, displaying and recording coats of arms is known as heraldry. Coats of arms are still in use today as symbols of identity by individuals, states, organizations and corporations.
History of Coats of Arms
The use of distinctive signs to identify knights and nobles in battle originated in the 11th century CE in Europe. These signs were painted on shields and embroidered on clothing. Originally, the designs were simple patterns, but over time they became more complex, incorporating images of animals, mythical beasts, religious symbols and geometric shapes.
By the 12th century, the distinctive emblem had acquired the name “coat of arms” or “coat armor.” The term refers to the surcoat or tunic worn over armor and embroidered with the design. The coats of arms identified the knights while camouflaging the steel armor and protecting it from the elements.
The earliest preserved examples of coats of arms date from the mid-12th century. The Bayeux Tapestry, depicting events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in 1066, includes some of the earliest depictions of heraldic shields.
Rules of Heraldry
As the use of coats of arms spread in the Middle Ages, a set of rules and guidelines developed for their design and use. This complex system is known as heraldry. The rules of heraldry regulated the colors, placement, orientation and shapes used in coats of arms, and granted them legal protection.
Some key heraldic rules include:
– Limited palette – Coats of arms designs are limited to a few basic tinctures or colors. These are gold, silver, red, blue, green, purple, and black.
– Division of field – The shield is divided into specific sections with different charges in each section. Common divisions include halved, quartered, and checkered.
– Charges – Simple bold shapes like crosses, lions, castles, fleurs-de-lis, and stars placed on the field.
– Ordinaries – Basic geometric charges laid across the shield like chief, pale, fess, chevron, etc.
– Rule of tincture – Colors should not touch other colors, or metals touch other metals. The exceptions are known as the “stains” or “colors proper.”
– Crest – An emblem above the shield, like an animal, plant, helmet, crown, or hand holding an object.
– Helm/Helmet – Depicted above the shield, representing rank.
– Mantling – Stylized cloth cloak flowing from the helm.
– Motto – Phrase accompanying a coat of arms reflecting virtues or aspirations.
Elements of a Coat of Arms
A complete coat of arms consists of several parts:
Shield – The essential element, this is the field on which the charge is displayed. It can have various shapes.
Ordinary – A simple geometric figure like a chevron, fess, or cross that covers a portion of the field.
Charge – A symbolic image occupying the field, like a lion, castle, anchor, or flower.
Tincture – The limited colors that can be used, including gold, silver, red, blue, green, purple and black. Tinctures denote metals, colors and furs.
Helm/Helmet – Depicted above the shield, the style of helmet indicates the rank of the bearer.
Mantling – Stylized cloth attached to the helm, billowing out on either side of the shield.
Wreath/Torse – Twisted band of fabric running around the base of the helm, usually in two colors.
Crest – An emblem mounted atop the helm, like a plume, animal, plant or crown.
Supporters – Creatures or figures flanking the shield holding it up, typically reserved for the nobility.
Compartment – What the supporters stand on, like a grassy mound or rocky outcrop.
Motto – A short phrase accompanying the coat of arms reflecting virtues or aspirations.
Reading a Coat of Arms
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gold shield | Generosity |
| Black chevron | Protection, construction |
| Silver ostrich feathers | Wisdom, justice, military strength |
| Blue mantling | Loyalty, truth |
| Gold castle crest | Safety, shelter |
| “Be Ready” motto | Call to action, preparedness |
The various charges, colors, ordinaries and other symbols carry meaning in coats of arms. Their origins lie in imagery from medieval culture, classical myths, astrology, religion and the virtues, traits or aspirations of the bearer. Learning this visual language allows one to interpret the messages encoded in heraldic designs.
Grants of Arms
Kings and local lords originally granted arms to knights and nobles as a symbol of status. Today, legal rights to coats of arms are still granted or inherited. The rules and jurisdiction varies between countries, but there are legal protections for established arms.
New grants of arms are approved and issued by heraldic authorities in a process called “Letters Patent.” Individuals, organizations or corporations can petition for a unique coat of arms that is recorded in the official heraldic records. Fees are required for the research and artwork involved.
Granting new arms involves:
– Consulting with the petitioner about symbolism, history and design preferences.
– Researching records to avoid duplicating existing arms.
– Developing a design that conforms to heraldic rules.
– Rendering the arms in the traditional mediums of painting and embroidery.
– Issuing a Letters Patent document with the official blazon (verbal description) and colored illustration.
– Registering the arms in the jurisdiction’s official roll or registry.
This invests exclusive rights to the armorial bearings. But use of existing arms in contexts like books or games does not infringe on legal rights.
Using Coats of Arms
Historically, coats of arms appeared on:
– Shields, surcoats, tunics and horse trappings in battle and tournaments.
– Banners, standards, pennons and trumpet banners carried by knights.
– Livery badges sewn onto clothing by retainers and servants.
– Seals used on documents to validate identity and authority.
– Coins, architectural elements, statues and memorials.
– Family graves and tombs to mark lineage.
Today, modern applications include:
– Official ceremonial use by individuals, civic offices, organizations or nations.
– Logos for states, cities, universities and companies.
– Decoration on insignia, uniforms, academic gowns and church vestments.
– Insignia for military and knightly orders.
– Display on flags, banners, signs, stationery, websites, products or packaging.
– Illustration in books, magazines and educational material.
– Jewelry, cufflinks, embroidery on clothing or leather goods.
– Collectibles like figurines, coins, medals and decorative plates.
– Personalized decor on property, vehicles, or even as tattoos.
– At funerals, weddings and other ceremonies marking rites of passage.
So while no longer worn in battle, coats of arms still signify identity, lineage and ideals today. Their continued use in official and decorative contexts keeps the tradition alive.
Heraldry in Popular Culture
Heraldry has influenced fiction, film and games through visual and symbolic use of coats of arms:
– Coats of arms signify noble houses and factions in fantasy like Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings.
– The symbols appear on crests for schools like Hogwarts and Ilvermorny in Harry Potter.
– Mystical shields factor heavily into superhero and legend tales, like Captain America’s shield.
– Films use heraldic imagery to convey medieval settings from Kingdom of Heaven to Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
– Coats of arms denote characters’ identities in games like Age of Empires and For Honor.
– Fictional arms appear on merchandise, collectibles and costumes for popular franchises.
While sometimes used inaccurately, pop culture employs heraldry to tap into a sense of medieval romance and pageantry. Awarding coats of arms remains an honor that connotes nobility, legacy and identity.
Heraldry in the Modern World
Despite its medieval origins, heraldry remains relevant in the modern world:
– National coats of arms appear on coins, stamps, passports and currency as symbols of national sovereignty.
– Cities and towns use crests on flags, seals, badges and welcome signs.
– Universities employ arms as emblems of identity and prestige.
– Coats of arms are incorporated into military insignia and national orders.
– Companies integrate heraldry into branding and logos for an air of history.
– Individuals seek personal arms to express their values or commemorate achievements.
– Heraldic elements are digitized as emojis and online profile badges.
– Artists craft contemporary arms violating old rules of tincture and style.
– The study of heraldry remains active in tracing lineage and preserving history.
– Crowdfunding platforms democratize access to heraldry for personal arms.
While no longer vital in warfare, heraldic arms remain embedded in culture. Their continued use pays homage to history while adapting traditional symbols to the modern context. For individuals and institutions alike, heraldry retains its power to proclaim identity.
Conclusion
A coat of arms is a uniquely designed emblem with a long tradition. Originating in medieval warfare, coats of arms historically identified knights and nobles. Today they represent countries, cities, organizations, companies and individuals. While heraldic rules of color and composition still prevail, arms are used in both traditional and novel contexts. Their symbolic visual language conveys identity and ideals. So while heraldry evolved from the battlefield, it remains culturally ingrained as a timeless way to stake one’s claim to status and signify who you are to the world.