Heraldry:

A Knight’s Tale

What is Heraldry?

Heraldry is the study of a system of symbols used to represent individuals, families, countries, or institutions.

The Origins

The basic heraldic symbol is a coat of

arms. Originally, they were used on

the shields of knights.

The History• The first coat of arms appeared

during the early 1100’s. They were used by Christian Knights who fought during the Crusades. They displayed coats of arms on their shields and flags so their followers could recognize them on the battlefield.

• Heraldry also served as a means of identification in civilian life. In a feudalistic society, the upper and middle class families were documented with their coats of arms. Common people did not have coats of arms.

• By custom and heraldic law, no two families could have the same coat of arms. Each coat of arms told the “history” of that family.

COLORS Even the colors can have special meaning in a "family crest" or coat of arms: 

Gold (Or) Generosity and elevation of the mind

Silver or White (Argent)

Peace and sincerity

Red (Gules) Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity

Blue (Azure) Truth and loyalty

Green (Vert) Hope, joy, and loyalty in love

Black (Sable) Constancy or grief

Purple (Purpure) Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Orange (Tawny or Tenne)

Worthy ambition

Maroon (Sanguine or Murray)

Patient in battle, and yet victorious

FURS The mere fact that a shield or crest contains furs suggests a mark of dignity. Usually the fur coat of the weasel is represented.

Ermine          White with black spots.

Erminois          Gold with black spots.

Ermines         Black with white spots.

Pean

         Black with gold spots.

Vair          Blue and white bell-shaped objects.

Heraldic Lines and Ordinaries:

Nebuly Line           

Clouds or air

Wavy Line            Sea or water

Engrailed Line             

Earth or land

Invected Line           

Earth or land

Indented Line            

Fire

Dancette Line            

Water

Raguly Line           

Difficulties that have been encountered

Embattled Line          

Walls of a fortress or town (also, fire)

Marks of CadencyDifference or marks of Cadency, are the distinctions used to indicate the various branches or Cadets of one family. i.e.: The eldest son of the family would bear the label upon the coat of arms of his father, the second son the crescent, and so on.

                                                                              

                  

Label The 1st son

                                                                                    

CrescentThe 2nd son

                                                                      

MulletThe 3rd son

                                                                                    

Martlet The 4th son

                                                                   

Annulet The 5th son

                                                    

Fleur-de-lis The 6th son

                                                                       

RoseThe 7th son

                                                                  

Cross MolineThe 8th son

                                                                   

Double quatrefoilThe 9th son

Lion

Fierce Courage. In Ireland the Lion

represented the 'lion' season, prior to the

full arrival of Summer. The

symbol can also represent a great Warrior or Chief.

TigerFierceness and

valour

Fish knowledge'.

Heraldic Charges

Valour and magnanimity

Bull

Readiness for dutyHorse

Valiant and enduring warrior

Leopard

Perseverance in siege or effort

Wolf

Fierce ProtectionBear

Boar

Fierce fighter, fights to the death.

In Ireland the boar is one of the most popular charges.

The meat of the boar was considered to

be food of the Celtic Gods. The symbol of the boar was worn in

battle as a charm against injury.

Boars Head Hospitality

Conies (Hares and Rabbits)

Peace-loving

FoxWise defence,

wisdom

Dog (Talbot, Greyhound)

Courage, fidelity, loyalty

Dolphin Affection, charity

Tortoise Invulnerability

Griffin

Valiant soldier - to the death, Vigilance. In Ireland the worship of the sun in pre-Christian times was often represented by the Griffin. It later became a symbol

of gold - 'yellow light'.

Dragon Valiant defender

Stag, Buck or Deer

Skillful, Politic, lover of harmony. In Ireland the Stag was one of the most ancient of charges and was regarded

as the most handsome. The Stag represents the very ancestors of the

Celtic race.

Snake.

Wisdom. In Ireland the Snake was a symbol of

fertility and renewal, and also, because of its forked tongue, was associated

with lightning and the sun.