The Legacy of Family Crests: History, Myth, and Symbolism
This upcoming April marks another annual festival in New Hope, Pennsylvania which I may reluctantly attend, along with my family. The festival will be celebrating the strawberry harvest centered around a charming market. Don’t get me wrong, the market is quite attractive but I am no shopper.
The funny thing is that we will just be minutes from the location of the famous Washington Delaware River crossing—the things we do for our family.
The last time we were there, we came across a booth on the center square offering intriguing information about family crests and coats of arms. Well, more like trying to sell us merchandise. I'll be sure to share the distinctions between the two later.
At this point in my genealogy career, I am well aware of the history and facts of the Coat of Arms, however, there was a time when the idea of an 8 by 10 colorful representation of my family history hanging on my wall was enticing.
Before you become tempted to replace your mouse pad with a golden shield adorned with green clovers, a medieval helmet, and a ferocious lion, read along as I cover the history, meaning, and myths of the original family logo.
The Beginning
The coat of arms' early roots stem from knights displaying their nobility and medieval glamour during tournaments.
There seems to be a difference of opinion on why shields were customized. Some say that warriors decorated their shields so either side would know who the enemies were. Others say it is more likely they would mark their shields for personal identification.
Whatever the truth, this was the precursor to what would evolve into heraldic designs.
The above image is what most people think of as a family crest or coat of arms which in reality is referred to as the Amoral Achievent. But for lack of confusion, I will continue to call this the coat of arms. This is what we have adapted so why complicate it?
Armorial achievement or Helaldry Achievement is actually the entire image which includes the shield, crest, and other embellishments. This was typically embroidered upon the knight’s sucoat or tabard used to cover his armor.. This would become known as the Coat of Arms.
What is meant by Heraldry?
Heraldry refers to the customs and rituals of designing, displaying, and recording coats of arms and other heraldic devices. It involves the creation, protocols, and use of these symbols to represent individuals, families, organizations, and other entities.
Most commonly associated with knights, you will also find heraldic devices such as the coat of arms for governments, royalty, corporations, micronations, universities, military, and religious authorities.
Coats of arms were not limited solely to the shield and tabard - they could be found emblazoned on a range of other items and structures.
Although the tradition of medieval knights and jousting tournaments are no longer common in modern society, the legacy of heraldry and coats of arms continues to be celebrated and studied by historians and enthusiasts. Here is where you can find the heraldic achievements:
Architecture and structures of churches, cathedrals, universities, government buildings, and noble family estates
Banners, flags, and insignia of military units, royal households, and civic organizations, and even on celebratory horses.
Official seals, documents, and regalia associated with governing bodies, religious authorities, and aristocratic lineages
Clothing, attire, and accessories like tabards, surcoats, helmets, and other knightly garments
The decoration and branding of commercial products, souvenirs, and household items like ceramics, glassware, and jewelry.
The Roles of the Herald
Heralds originally were referred to the messengers or officials who officiated tournaments and battles theh later became responsible for recording the deeds and pedigree of knights and nobles
Herlalds are typically representatives of heraldry organizations such as the College of Arms in England, the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland, and The Canadian Heraldic Authority in Canada.
Responsible for granting, recording, and regulating the use of coats of arms and other heraldic emblems.
Fulfilled crucial ceremonial responsibilities, declaring the identities and ranks of participants at royal and aristocratic gatherings, tournaments, and funerals.
Typically, they were members of the nobility or gentry, chosen for their expertise in heraldry and their ability to uphold the traditions and formalities of the heraldic system.
Heraldic administration and archives were based at the College of Arms and similar establishments.
Heralds were regarded in high esteem. The status of heralds was quite high, as they represented the sovereign's authority in heraldic matters. These noble representatives were afforded special privileges and commanded great respect.
Women and Heraldry
Unmarried Women:
Unmarried women were not allowed to display their arms on a shield, which was considered a masculine, war-like device. Instead, their paternal arms were depicted on a lozenge (diamond shape) or oval shape.
Married Women:
Married women had the option to impale (place side-by-side) their arms with their husbands on a single shield, with the husband's on the dexter (left) side and the wife's on the sinister (right).
Alternatively, a married woman could bear either her own arms or her husband's arms alone on a shield, with a small differencing mark.
Heraldic Heiresses:
If a woman was an "heraldic heiress" with no surviving brothers or heir brothers, her family's arms could be displayed on an inescutcheon at the center of her husband's coat of arms.
This allowed her lineage to be represented and passed down through the female line.
Widowed Women:
When widowed, a woman would typically continue to use the impaled arms of herself and her late husband, but they would be displayed on a lozenge or oval shape rather than a shield.
Exceptions and Variations:
There were some exceptions to the general rules.
In Canada, women could display their arms on a shield regardless of marital status.
In Scotland, only the eldest daughter could pass on her father's undifferenced coat of arms to her children. This was different from the practice in England.
The earliest recorded example of a coat of arms displayed on a shield is claimed to be from 1127 AD when King Henry I of England is said to have granted his son-in-law, Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, an azure shield featuring four gold lions rampant, as detailed in The Oxford Guide to Heraldry.
The Anatomy of the Coat of Arms (Heraldic Achievement)
Blazoning - The specialized language used to provide a precise, unambiguous verbal description from which the visual depiction of a coat of arms, flag, or other heraldic emblem can be accurately reconstructed.
Like other art, forms, hobbies, or trades, heraldry is governed by a complex set of intricate rules and regulations that conceal and obscure the superficial differences among them. While heraldic achievements may seem highly personalized, they are bound by a regulated system of conventions, particularly when it comes to the shield itself.
Imagine King Arthur, clad in gleaming armor, his majestic crest and coat of arms proudly displayed, entering the tournament grounds of Camelot, jousting with valor, symbols of his lineage shining.
The cheers of his loyal subjects echo and herald his triumph and eternal glory while the Herald, a midlevel referee announces his arrival while artistically detailing his Coat of Arms.
Elements of a Coat of Arms
The coat of arms consists of components that make up heraldic design. From noble beasts embodying family traits to vibrant colors symbolizing origins and virtues and undulating ribbons scribing the family motto. Every element tells a story.
Let’s break this down into key terms and their historical meanings:
Escutcheon
File:Nilsson Family Coat of Arms (Escutcheon).Png. In Wikipedia. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nilsson_Family_Coat_of_Arms_(Escutcheon).png
The escutcheon is the central, shield-shaped element that displays the core coat of arms design, serving as the focal point of the heraldic achievement.
The surface of the escutcheon, known as the field is where the various heraldic charges would be displayed. The choice and arrangement of these diverse charges on the shield convey meaning about the bearer's identity, lineage, and values in heraldic design.
Partition lines - The various patterns used to divide the shield into multiple sections or fields.
Charges - symbols placed in the shield, with the specific arrangement governed by the rules of heraldry.
Ordinary Charges: Basic geometric shapes like stripes, crosses, and borders.
Animal Charges: Real or mythical animals depicted in various poses, symbolizing qualities.
Inanimate Charges: Objects, designs, and abstract shapes like crosses, stars, and flowers.
Tinctures - Refers to the limited palette of colors and patterns used in heraldry.
The main tinctures are the metals which are (gold/or silver/argent). the specific colors will be(red/gules, blue/azure, black/sable, green/vert, purple/purpure), and two types of furs such as ermine - represent the black-tipped tails of the stoat (weasel) and vair - depict the greyish-blue and white fur of the Eurasian red squirrel.
The Rule of Tincture:
Metal (gold/or silver/argent) should not be placed on metal, nor color on color.
Violating the rule of tincture was historically seen as creating "false arms" that required further inquiry.
There are some notable exceptions where the rule of tincture is intentionally violated, such as the arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem (gold crosses on silver).
Techniques like counterchanging allow charges to be divided across field lines while still maintaining tincture contrast.
Over time, some additional tinctures like sanguine (dark red) and tenny (orange) have been introduced, though their status as true heraldic tinctures is debated.
Supporters
File:Supporters from the coat of arms of Canada.Svg. In Wikipedia. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Supporters_from_the_coat_of_arms_of_Canada.svg
The figures or objects placed on either side of the shield are another personalized design that represents the bearer's lineage or virtues. Upon closer inspection, these figures, which can be animals, humans, mythical figures, or inanimate objects, hold up the coat of arms.
Certain animals such as lions and unicorns represent the nations of England and Scotland.
Supporters usually signify the status, rank, and achievements of the bearer. These guardian figures stand on compartments, which are typically small landscapes.
Helmet
The helmet sits atop the shield, of which the torse or wreath surrounds the base. The opening or closing of the helm would determine whether one was noble or gentry, open for royalty and nobility and closed for gentry.
Crest
Coat of arms of Jamaica. (2023, September 5). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Jamaica
This is the part of the coat of arms (Armorial Achievement) that stumps most. I'll admit that I too thought the coat of arms and the family crest were one and the same. The three-dimensional emblem or figure placed atop the torse or helmet is actually the crest itself. Note the Crocodile on top of the Jamaican Coat of Arms above.
The use of crests on helmets goes back to the Greek and Roman eras where Roman officers wore crests made of feathers or horsehairs, of which the style and location indicated the rank.
During heraldic times, the crests were typically made of plumes or metal fans. Over time, the helms started to support a more tangible three-dimensional object made of cloth, leather, or paper.
On full heraldic achievements, one may find objects such as unicorns, dragons, trees, etc. This could reflect the charge featured on the shield or just a customized symbolic crest.
Mantling
Mantling. (2023, August 22). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantling
In heraldic achievements (Coat of Arms), the decorative cloth-like element that drapes from the crest to the shield is called the mantling.
The ornamental appearance of the mantling adds a noble character to the design. The decor is typically displayed in the shape and form of floral and textile and includes floral and animal themes.
The colors typically match the heraldic tinctures, featuring metals, colors, and fur patterns found in the coat of arms.
Mottos
Depicted on a scroll-like object below the shield is the motto - a short written slogan that conveys the identity, core values, and heritage of the bearer. The motto is typically written in Latin or French and other languages and should adhere to the rules of Heraldry.
King Charles's current coat of arms motto is “Dieu et mon droit” ('God and my right'). A few other international mottos are:
Jamaica - “Out of Many, One People”
Canada - "From sea to sea"
India - “Truth Alone Triumphs”
South Africa - “Diverse people unite”
In conclusion, the rich symbolism and tradition of heraldry extend far beyond the commonly misunderstood "family crest." The coat of arms is just one component of the full heraldic achievement, which encompasses intricate elements like charges, tinctures, supporters, and mottos - each carrying deep meaning about the bearer's lineage and values.
While the allure of mass-produced merchandise may be tempting, true heraldic claims require rigorous genealogical proof. By understanding the nuances of this centuries-old practice, one can appreciate the genuine significance behind these iconic symbols of identity and status, rather than falling prey to heraldic myths and misconceptions.
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