1. Medieval Coat of Arms
S.S. 8 Ms.pakkar

2. What is it?
Coat of arms relates to the idea of heraldry: the science of representing familial history and accomplishments with symbols.
A coat of arms is a: symbol of a person, family, institution, political territory, etc.

3. origins
Starting in about twelfth century (1100s), European knights and nobles began displaying symbols on their shields to distinguish themselves in battle
Had to be easy to read – any confusion could be costly. Ex. Earl of Warwick (1471) attacked his own supporters because he confused his coat of arms. His supporters deserted him and he lost the battle.
This developed into heraldry, which was used by nobles to distinguish their families and ancestry.

4. Changes to the coat of arms
A family crest (shield) changed only when a woman brought estates (land) into her husband’s family.
What does this say about what the society valued?
Eventually, a complicated coat of arms became seen as a status symbol.
15th century coat of arms

5. Can you think of any modern examples of coat of arms?

6. What does it mean?
British Columbia’s Coat of Arms:

7. “Splendour without diminishment”
British Columbia Coat of Arms
The shield: Union Jack (represent B.C.’s colonial beginnings – U.K’s flag) on top of waving blue and white lines and the setting sun (B.C.’s geography – between the Rockies and the Pacific Ocean)
The lion wears a collar of Dogwoods (B.C.’s official flower)
Stag and ram represent the former colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia

8. Your Turn!

9. Heraldic Colors: Yellow or Gold - Generosity White or Silver - Peace & Sincerity Black - Constancy (& sometimes Grief) Blue - Loyalty & Truthfulness Red - Military Fortitude & Magnanimity Green - Hope, Joy & sometimes Loyalty Purple - Royal Majesty, Sovereignty & Justice
Heraldic Animals: Bear - Protectiveness Bee - Industriousness Camel - Perseverance Dog - Loyalty Double Eagle & Eagle - Leadership & Decisiveness Dragon - Defender of Treasure Falcon or Hawk - Eagerness Fox - Cleverness Griffin (part eagle, part lion) - Bravery Horse - Readiness to Serve Lion - Courage Pelican - Generosity & Devotion Raven - Constancy Snake - Ambition Stag, Elk or Deer - Peace & Harmony Tiger - Fierceness & Valor Unicorn - Extreme courage Wolf - Constant Vigilance
Heraldic Symbols: Axe - Dutiful Bridge - (signifies a governor or magistrate) Crescent - Enlightenment Crosses - Christian sentiments Crown - Authority Fire - Zeal Flaming Heart - Passion Fleur-de-lys (stylized Iris flower) - Purity (France) Hand - Faith, Sincerity & Justice Heart - Sincerity Horns & Antlers - Fortitude Lightning - Decisiveness Moon - Serenity Oyster Shell - Traveler Ring - Fidelity Scepter - Justice Star - Nobility Sun - Glory Sword - Warlike Tower or Castle - Fortitude & Protectiveness