What was the purpose of Heraldry?
Heraldry originated when most people were illiterate but could easily recognize a bold, striking, and simple design. The use of heraldry in medieval warfare enabled combatants to distinguish one mail-clad knight from another and thus to distinguish between friend and foe.
What does the shield represent in the coat of arms?
The Shield – Has two functions in the coat of arms, it represents the spiritual defence of our nation and also holds the figures that represent our identity. They also represent the individual’s journey for transformation into the greater sense of belonging to the nation and by extension, collective humanity.
Why did Knights put symbols on their shields?
During the medieval times, knights would don on a thorough armour which often concealed their identity during battle. To resolve this and to generally identify themselves, knights began using painted symbols on their shields so that they could be distinguished on the battlefield.
What is heraldry How and why did knights use it?
Heraldry is about showing people who you are. In England it started in the later 1100s, when knights began to wear helmets which covered their faces, and they couldn’t be recognised. So they began to paint unique combinations of colours, shapes and animals, called their ‘arms’, on their shields and banners.
Why did people have a coat of arms?
Coat of arms, the principal part of a system of hereditary symbols dating back to early medieval Europe, used primarily to establish identity in battle. Arms evolved to denote family descent, adoption, alliance, property ownership, and, eventually, profession.
What is a coat of arms Year 1?
The first coat of arms was used to distinguish one knight from another. Because of this, knights began to paint symbols on their shields. They eventually began to put the symbol on their banner and the coat they wore over their armor. This is how it got the name “coat of arms”.
What is the difference between a coat of arms and a family crest?
The coat of arms generally refers to the, cape, shield, crest and helmet, while the family crest technically only refers to the small image that lies on the helm (top of the helmet). The family crest is a component of a coat of arms, which can be used as a simplified symbol when the full coat of arms is too detailed.
What does a knight helmet mean on a family crest?
Helmet. The helmet supports the crest. Positioning of the helmet represents rank: For example, a helmet facing forward with the visor opened means a knight, while a helmet facing side-ways with the visor closed is for a gentleman.
What are the parts of a family crest?
A family coat of arms has several basic components. These individual parts include the shield, the mantling and the helm and wreath. Some, but not all, also include a crest. Colors, animals or other artwork and mottoes are all additional choices to make.
What do you call the words on a family crest?
A coat of arms is a heraldic visual design on an escutcheon (i.e., shield), surcoat, or tabard.
What are the 8 parts to a heraldic shield?
Formally known as an achievement, armorial achievement, or heraldic achievement, what is commonly referred to as a “coat of arms” consists of several parts: the shield, the mantling, the helm, the wreath, charges, and the crest (note that not all arms have crests).