H e r a l d r y
A Medieval Knight wore a coat of arms to identify himself and his lord or king
A Coat of Arms consists of these parts: A shield (the shape of the coat of arms) A field (the surface, which could be solid or patterned) Tinctures (colors or metals, which are symbolic) Charges (symbols such as objects or animals)
Common tinctures Yellow or Gold: Generosity White, Silver: Peace Sable or Black: Constancy or grief Azure or Blue: Loyalty or Truth Red: Military Strength Green: Hope Purple: Royalty
C H A R G E S: Symbols such as animals or objects
F o x One who uses wit and wisdom in his own defense
L I O N Deathless Courage
Tiger Great fierceness and valor
B e a r Ferocity and the protection of family
W o l f One who is dangerous to attack
Elephants Courage and Strength
H o r s e ready for duty
grasshopper Wisdom and nobility
Swords Pursuit of honor and virtue
Escallop Shell One who has made long journeys to faraway countries
H e a r t Love Charity Sincerity
skulls mortality
Crests Associated with family names Can be a part of the coat of arms Appears above shield Used on engravings, rings, bookplates, and other means of displaying one's heritage
Helmets: Varies with the bearer's rank, the century represented, or the herald's or artist's preference. They can be represented as either silver (argent) or gold (or). The names given each helmet are merely for identification purposes. Most helmet are shown facing the viewer's left. Helmets facing straight forward usually denote royal status.
Crowns: Varies with the bearer's rank, the century represented, the country, and the artist's preference. They can be represented as either silver (argent), gold (or), proper (natural), or any of several colors.