A coat of arms is a heraldic design that was used extensively in Europe during the Middle Ages. Coats of arms served as a unique emblem that identified a noble family or individual. The use of coats of arms was an integral part of medieval culture and society. In this article, we will examine the origins, significance, elements, and rules of medieval coats of arms.
What is a Coat of Arms?
A coat of arms refers to a design belonging to a particular person or family. It was a symbol of identity and a mark of status. The term “coat of arms” originated from the surcoat or tabard worn over a knight’s armor, which featured the design belonging to that knight. The knight’s followers and retainers would also wear the same coat of arms as a way to show their allegiance. Over time, the coat of arms design came to represent the knight himself and his whole family.
Coats of arms were hereditary and unique to each noble family. The eldest son would inherit his father’s coat of arms upon the father’s death. While each coat of arms had certain common conventions and rules, no two designs were exactly alike. Even within a family, individual family members could use modified versions called cadency marks that distinguished each person.
Origins and Early History
The use of symbols as identification in battle and on seals dates back to ancient civilizations. However, the formal system of heraldic coats of arms first emerged around the 12th century CE in Europe. As knights wore armor that covered their entire body, there was a need for symbols to distinguish allies from enemies in warfare. These symbols were painted on shields and surcoats.
At first, the coat of arms solely belonged to the individual knight. But over the course of the 12th and 13th centuries, coats of arms began to be passed down through noble families. By the 14th century, coats of arms had become a well-established hereditary system among Europe’s nobility and knighthood. They were used to mark legal documents, carriages, armor, banners, architecture, and even tableware.
Significance and Meaning
In medieval society, coats of arms served several important functions:
Identification – The primary purpose was to identify the owner, both on the battlefield and in civilian life. This enabled easy recognition even when a knight’s face was concealed by armor.
Status – The right to bear a coat of arms was limited to the nobility and knighthood. Coats of arms were visual representations of the honor and status of a family.
Inheritance – As hereditary emblems, they reflected lineage and continuity. The ability to trace one’s ancestry was important to medieval nobles.
Individuality – While following heraldic rules, each coat of arms had unique symbolism that told something about its holder. Elements were often chosen for how they characterized the family.
Alliances – Shared elements in related families’ coats of arms could indicate allegiances or the history of marriages that joined lineages.
Seals – Applied to wax seals, they served as early forms of a signature for documents and correspondence.
Heraldic Rules and Conventions
There were specific rules that governed the design of medieval coats of arms:
– They were passed through strict male primogeniture, from father to eldest son only. Younger sons used modified designs.
– Although rare, women could inherit coats of arms if they had no brothers. Widows of armigers could display their husband’s arms.
– Elements were simple for easy recognition on distant banners and shields. Stylized depictions rather than realistic representations were preferred.
– A limited palette was used. Common colors included red, blue, black, green, purple, and later orange and yellow. Metals like gold and silver were denoted by yellow and white.
– Ordinaries, basic geometric shapes like crosses and chevrons, were common as organizing elements. They helped differentiate arms.
– More complex coats of arms emerged later in the Middle Ages as familial history accumulated over generations. Quartering brought together multiple coats of arms through inheritance or marriage.
Elements of a Coat of Arms
While infinitely variable, most medieval coats of arms contained some or all of the following elements:
Shield – The shield shape at the center displayed the primary symbols. Its triangular shape derives from shields used in combat. Different forms indicated status, like lozenge shapes for women’s arms.
Ordinary – The central motif, often geometrical charges like crosses or chevrons. They organized the space and provided the main identifiers.
Field – The background tincture or metal that covered the shield. Contrast with charges was important for visibility.
Charges – Any figures, symbols, or objects depicted on the field. They included animals, plants, mythological beings, and inanimate objects.
Tinctures – The limited palette of colors used in coats of arms, divided into metals like gold and silver and hues like red, blue, black, and purple.
Helm/Helmet – Sitting atop the shield, it denoted status and could be closed, open-faced, or in profile. Styles distinguished nobility and knighthood.
Crest – Important identifier, the three-dimensional figure mounted on top of the helm was a common animal motif.
Mantling/Lambrequin – Decorative cloak-like drapery surrounding the helmet and crest. Mantling was usually slashed and had the owner’s colors.
Supporters – Human or animal figures that stood on either side of the shield, reserved for those of high rank. Supporters held up the shield.
Motto – Latin phrase or war cry associated with the armiger, often on a scroll beneath the shield. Reflected beliefs or history.
Badge – A secondary identifying mark used by followers. Could also represent branches of a family.
Famous Examples and Meanings
| Coat of Arms | Owner | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Three gold lions on a red field | King Richard I “The Lionheart” of England | Symbolized courage and nobility |
| Silver saltire on an azure field | King William Wallace of Scotland | The diagonal cross shape of Scotland |
| Black eagle on a gold field | Holy Roman Emperor | Symbol of imperial power and authority |
| Red rampant lion on a yellow field | Duke of Normandy | The conquering Norman lion |
| Red and white checked pattern | de Blois family | Derived from the family’s history in chess games |
Some of the most recognizable coats of arms belonged to medieval kings and royalty. The three gold lions on red of King Richard I reflected his bravery, while the black imperial eagle was a symbol of the Holy Roman Emperor. Noble families also bore coats of arms alluding to their histories, like the de Blois’ checkered pattern that originated from chessboards.
Heraldry and Heralds
As coats of arms grew in complexity, there arose a need for heralds – experts who devised, recorded, and regulated heraldry. Heralds administered tournaments, announced knights, and managed pedigrees and inheritances. They ensured coats of arms adhered to heraldic rules and settled disputes over conflicting designs.
Medieval heralds wore distinctive tabards emblazoned with the sovereign’s arms and carried staffs of office. From the late 13th century, official rolls and records of arms were kept by heralds or kings of arms in each kingdom. They were responsible for issuing new coats of arms. This was an early form of intellectual property protection for noble families.
Decline in Later Centuries
While coats of arms originated among knights and nobles, they were gradually adopted by wealthy commoners during the late medieval and Renaissance periods. Their significance as status symbols declined as feudalism gave way to modern society. Centralized governments reduced the power held by old nobility and their hereditary emblems.
However, elements of heraldic tradition persisted even after the Middle Ages. Coats of arms are still used today by modern governments, official institutions, and some families who value their lineage. Though they lack their original medieval meaning, they remain as remnants of the age of chivalry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the medieval coat of arms was a unique system of visual identification that was deeply embedded in the social fabric. Originating from the need to distinguish knights in armor, coats of arms became hereditary emblems of nobility and knighthood over the course of the Middle Ages. They reflected status, lineage, and identity. Though arising from military necessity, coats of arms held important cultural significance as symbols of honor and family heritage. Standardized by heralds, they represent an early manifestation of intellectual property. The coat of arms remains a recognizable legacy of medieval warfare and society.
