1. Heraldry: A Knight’s Tale

2. What is Heraldry?
Heraldry is the study of a system of symbols used to represent individuals, families, countries, or institutions.

3. The Origins
The basic heraldic symbol is a coat of arms. Originally, they were used on the shields of knights.

4. The History
The first coat of arms appeared during the early 1100’s. They were used by Christian Knights who fought during the Crusades. They displayed coats of arms on their shields and flags so their followers could recognize them on the battlefield.

5. Heraldry also served as a means of identification in civilian life
Heraldry also served as a means of identification in civilian life. In a feudalistic society, the upper and middle class families were documented with their coats of arms. Common people did not have coats of arms.

6. By custom and heraldic law, no two families could have the same coat of arms. Each coat of arms told the “history” of that family.

7. COLORS
Even the colors can have special meaning in a "family crest" or coat of arms: 
Gold (Or)
Generosity and elevation of the mind
Silver or White (Argent)
Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)
Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity
Blue (Azure)
Truth and loyalty
Green (Vert)
Hope, joy, and loyalty in love
Black (Sable)
Constancy or grief
Purple (Purpure)
Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice
Orange (Tawny or Tenne)
Worthy ambition
Maroon (Sanguine or Murray)
Patient in battle, and yet victorious

14. FURS
The mere fact that a shield or crest contains furs suggests a mark of dignity. Usually the fur coat of the weasel is represented.
Ermine
         White with black spots.
Erminois
         Gold with black spots.
Ermines
        Black with white spots.
Pean
         Black with gold spots.
Vair
         Blue and white bell-shaped objects.

15. Heraldic Lines and Ordinaries:
Nebuly Line           
Clouds or air
Wavy Line           
Sea or water
Engrailed Line             
Earth or land
Invected Line           
Indented Line            
Fire
Dancette Line            
Water
Raguly Line           
Difficulties that have been encountered
Embattled Line          
Walls of a fortress or town (also, fire)

16. Marks of Cadency Difference or marks of Cadency, are the distinctions used to indicate the various branches or Cadets of one family. i.e.: The eldest son of the family would bear the label upon the coat of arms of his father, the second son the crescent, and so on.
                                                                                                 Label The 1st son
                                                                                     Crescent The 2nd son
                                                                       Mullet The 3rd son
                                                                                     Martlet The 4th son
                                                                    Annulet The 5th son
                                                     Fleur-de-lis The 6th son
                                                                        Rose The 7th son
                                                                   Cross Moline The 8th son
                                                                    Double quatrefoil The 9th son

18. Heraldic Charges Tiger Fish Lion Fierceness and valour
Fierce Courage. In Ireland the Lion represented the 'lion' season, prior to the full arrival of Summer. The symbol can also represent a great Warrior or Chief.
Tiger
Fierceness and valour
Fish
knowledge'.

19. Valour and magnanimity Readiness for duty Valiant and enduring warrior
Bull
Readiness for duty
Horse
Valiant and enduring warrior
Leopard
Perseverance in siege or effort
Wolf
Fierce Protection
Bear

20. Conies (Hares and Rabbits)
Boar
Fierce fighter, fights to the death. In Ireland the boar is one of the most popular charges. The meat of the boar was considered to be food of the Celtic Gods. The symbol of the boar was worn in battle as a charm against injury.
Boars Head
Hospitality
Conies (Hares and Rabbits)
Peace-loving
Fox
Wise defence, wisdom
Dog (Talbot, Greyhound)
Courage, fidelity, loyalty

21. Dolphin Tortoise Griffin Dragon Stag, Buck or Deer Snake.
Affection, charity
Tortoise
Invulnerability
Griffin
Valiant soldier - to the death, Vigilance. In Ireland the worship of the sun in pre-Christian times was often represented by the Griffin. It later became a symbol of gold - 'yellow light'.
Dragon
Valiant defender
Stag, Buck or Deer
Skillful, Politic, lover of harmony. In Ireland the Stag was one of the most ancient of charges and was regarded as the most handsome. The Stag represents the very ancestors of the Celtic race.
Snake.
Wisdom. In Ireland the Snake was a symbol of fertility and renewal, and also, because of its forked tongue, was associated with lightning and the sun.