A coat of arms is a unique symbol that represents a person, family, or organization. It contains meaningful images and symbols that tell the story of that group or individual. Coats of arms were historically used by knights and other nobles to identify themselves in battle and tournaments. Today, many families, organizations, cities, and institutions use coats of arms to represent their history and values. While coats of arms may look complicated, the basic idea behind them is simple and can be understood even by kids.
What Does a Coat of Arms Look Like?
A coat of arms is typically displayed on a shield-shaped background or escutcheon. This provides a defined space for the various images and symbols that make up the coat of arms. Though there are many variations, coats of arms often contain some combination of the following elements:
| Charge | A primary symbol or image in the center of the shield, such as an animal, object, or mythological creature. |
| Ordinary | Simple geometric shapes such as crosses, chevrons, and grids. |
| Tinctures | The colors used, often limited to standard heraldic palettes. |
| Crest | A three-dimensional symbol above the shield, sometimes atop a helmet. |
| Supporters | Creatures or figures that flank the shield. |
| Motto | A short phrase with symbolic meaning. |
These elements follow a set of rules and conventions in order to create a unified, meaningful design. For example, certain colors and furs like ermine are reserved for the highest nobility. Precious metals such as gold often signify high rank as well.
What Do the Images and Symbols Mean?
The images and symbols used in a coat of arms are meant to communicate key information about the bearer. Here are some of the typical meanings behind heraldic symbols:
| Lions | Courage, strength, royalty |
| Eagles | Nobility, divinity, spirituality |
| Bears | Strength, healing |
| Snakes | Wisdom, eternity |
| Horses | Readiness for battle, nobility |
| Boars | Bravery, fierceness |
| Mythical creatures | Virtues like courage, wisdom |
| Castles | Safety, security, domain |
| Trees, plants | Life, growth, nature |
| Bridges | Connection, travel |
| Stars | Aspiration, enlightenment |
So for example, a coat of arms with a lion rampant (standing on its hind legs) communicates courage, while a white unicorn represents purity and innocence. The colors used also carry meaning – red signifies military strength and valor, blue means truth and loyalty, and green represents hope and joy.
Who Traditionally Used Coats of Arms?
In medieval Europe, coats of arms were used to identify knights and nobles. Mounted knights wore armor, so the arms displayed on their shield were used to identify friend from foe. Coats of arms let knights gain recognition for their heroic deeds and were eventually passed down through noble families.
Kings and princes had particularly elaborate coats of arms incorporating crowns, chivalric orders, and mantling. Coats of arms came to represent the heritage and honor of noble lineages. They were considered intellectual property that could not be used without permission.
How Are Coats of Arms Used Today?
While coats of arms are no longer used in battle, they continue to symbolize families, institutions, companies, and cities today. Their uses include:
- Family crests – Representing genealogy and family history.
- Institutional coats of arms – Symbolizing schools, churches, universities and other organizations.
- Corporate logos – Companies incorporate heraldic symbols into modern logo designs.
- Civic symbols – Cities and towns use symbolic coats of arms.
- State emblems – National coats of arms represent countries.
- Monarchy and chivalric orders – British royalty maintain heraldic traditions.
So while their functional purpose has changed, coats of arms still evoke heritage and identity today. They often appear during ceremonial events and formal observances.
What Are the Main Rules of Heraldry?
While there is creativity in designing coats of arms, there are some standard rules of heraldry that govern their composition:
- Simple and recognizable design – Symbols should be easy to identify.
- Limited palette – Colors are chosen from standard heraldic tinctures.
- Meaningful symbolism – Images reflect virtues and values.
- Follows uniform style – Elements are balanced and proportioned.
- Conforms to principles like the rule of tincture – Colors are placed appropriately.
- Avoids duplication – Arms are unique from existing coats of arms.
These rules evolved so that coats of arms could serve as practical identifiers in battles and tournaments. They help create designs that are cohesive and meaningful.
How Can You Create Your Own Coat of Arms?
While official coats of arms are governed by heraldic authorities in some countries, anyone can design a personal or family coat of arms by following these steps:
- Decide on meaningful symbols – Consider your values, interests, occupation, origins, etc.
- Choose 2-3 bold colors – Limit to standard heraldic hues.
- Sketch a basic design – Include a shield shape, 1-2 major charges, and any supporters.
- Add secondary symbols and elements – Fills visual space around main charges.
- Optionally create a motto – Choose a short meaningful phrase.
- Finalize and polish the design – Refine it so symbols are clear and balanced.
While personal arms don’t need official approval, researching coats of arms, studying heraldry, and consulting expert guidance can improve designs. Display your finished coat of arms decoratively as a representation of your identity!
Can Children Use Coats of Arms?
Absolutely! Heraldry can be a fun, enriching activity for children. Designed properly, coats of arms provide an introduction to symbolism, design, and even elements of history. Here are some ways kids can engage with heraldry:
- Learn about the meaning of common charges and symbols.
- Study existing family coats of arms from their ancestry.
- Design imaginary coats of arms for fictional characters or places.
- Create their own personal coat of arms reflecting their identity.
- Incorporate coats of arms into crafts projects or drawings.
- Read books that feature heraldry like fantasy novels.
- Visit museums or events displaying historical coats of arms.
The visual nature and use of imagination in heraldry appeals to young minds. Guided by parents or teachers, creating coats of arms helps kids express themselves and gain exposure to design principles in an enjoyable way.
Conclusion
While coats of arms may initially look mystifying, they become easier to understand by breaking them into their basic elements of meaningful symbols, bold colors, and representative designs. Learning a few simple heraldic conventions enables even young children to appreciate the storytelling purpose behind coats of arms. With some guidance on key rules of heraldry, kids can have fun designing their own unique family or personal coat of arms as an introduction to symbolic communication. So get creative with crayons, markers, or art software and make your own coat of arms to proudly display your identity!