What is most important to you in your life? People, places, ideas, things, etc. List 5

Imagine you are a knight, courageously defending your lord’s territory from outside attacks… How do you recognize an outsider? How do you know who to attack?

Coat of Arms in Medieval Europe

Purpose During the Middle Ages, knights used a coat of arms to identify themselves. One man in armor looked a lot like another, so the coat of arms was used to identify a knight in battle. In a society where few people could read and write, pictures were very important. A coat of arms was more like a label for instant identification than it was like a painting. You wanted to know instantly who was coming toward you, so you could know which side he was on. Coats of arms later took on further significance and meanings. They also became a way of showing membership in the aristocracy, after they lost their significance in warfare.

Tradition Only the oldest son would inherit his family’s coat of arms unchanged; his younger brothers would usually add a symbol to show who they were. The symbol a younger son added was often a smaller picture placed in the middle of the shield. When a woman married, especially if she had no brothers, the coat of arms of her family was often added to her husband’s arms.

Features Contrasting colors  made shields bright and easy to see Animals as symbols Lion Bear Boar Eagle Horse Dragon Griffin The dragon and griffin are mythological animals. Characteristics believed to be found in more than one animal could be combined. The griffin was part eagle, part lion. Since the animals were symbols of qualities, such combination animals were meant to indicate a combination of those qualities.

Features Postures of combat rampant - standing on hind legs rampant guardant - standing on hind legs, face turned toward viewer passant - walking couchant - lying down sejant - sitting

Features Family Name The coat of arms for "Wheatley" has sheaves of wheat on the shield. Some other shields showed allegiance to one side in a dispute by putting its symbol on their shields. The cross on a coat of arms often meant that the original bearer had been to the Crusades. A cross used on a shield was always taken very seriously.

Features Symbolic Meanings, colors, size of symbols Instantly recognizable Meant to be seen from across a battlefield

Let us be judged by our acts

He lives well who lives peacefully.

Assignment—Blazon your Coat of Arms! Make your own coat of arms It should represent you, your family, and your life Front of coat of arms: You must have at least 5 symbols on the coat of arms. It must be colored. (2 points) Back of coat of arms: You must have key that explains each of your 5 symbols. (5 points) Ex: The music notes represent how I love to listen to music. Total points: 7