What is a charge on a shield?

In heraldry, a charge is any emblem or device occupying the field of an escutcheon (shield). That may be a geometric design (sometimes called an ordinary) or a symbolic representation of a person, animal, plant, object, building, or other device.

How do you split a shield?

In simple terms the shield can be divided into sections with straight lines running horizontally, vertically or diagonally either singly or in combinations. The two (or more) parts of the shield are given contrasting colours, almost always one colour and one metal.

How do you describe a heraldic shield?

In heraldry and heraldic vexillology, a blazon is a formal description of a coat of arms, flag or similar emblem, from which the reader can reconstruct the appropriate image. The verb to blazon means to create such a description.

What do symbols on family crests mean?

Red: warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity. Blue: truth and loyalty. Green: hope, joy, and loyalty in love. Black: constancy or grief. Purple: royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice.

Does your last name determine your heritage?

Ancestry can typically tell you the ethnic origin of your surname, which you may already know. But it can also tell you if your name is occupational, habitational (based on a place), or descriptive, and you might even discover where your name originated.

How do family crests work?

Crests were passed down by men to their firstborn male offspring, similar to how a man named William Jones might name his son William Jones Jr. In a tradition known as cadency, the father’s other sons embellished on this crest to create a semi-original one to represent their own families [source: Powell].

Are family crests real?

Companies That Sell Coats of Arms and Family Crests Today Just know that it is not a hereditary one and has no official or ancestral meaning. They use all of the right parts of a real coat of arms, but the arms they are making for you are new, with no ancestral meaning to your family at all.

How do you make a family crest shield?

As stated previously, colloquially, “coat of arms” can refer to the whole heraldic achievement or the shield. Formally, it is the design etched and painted onto the shield, or escutcheon….Ordinary.

Ordinary	Appearance	Meaning
Bend	Sash; broad band diagonally across the shield	High military rank or honor

What is your family crest?

Family crests and coats of arms are powerful family symbols passed down through generations. The symbolism in the design of a family crest or coat of arms can tell you about your ancestors’ achievements and status in society—a real testament to a family’s legacy.

What is the difference between a family crest and coat of arms?

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.

Can I design my own family crest?

It is also possible to design an entirely unique crest that will represent the family as it is today. 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.

Can an American have a coat of arms?

How can I purchase a copy? Answer: Most of us find heraldry fascinating, but few Americans are entitled to claim coat of arms. Coats of arms were issued to individuals–not families–and under most heraldic rules, only first sons of first sons of the recipient of a coat of arms could legally bear their ancestor’s arms.

What do the 3 lions represent?

The earliest surviving representation of an escutcheon, or shield, displaying three lions is that on the Great Seal of King Richard I (1189–1199), which initially displayed one or two lions rampant, but in 1198 was permanently altered to depict three lions passant, perhaps representing Richard I’s principal three …

What is the purpose of 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 are the symbols of coat of arms?

Even the colors can have special meaning in a “family crest” or coat of arms:

Color	Heraldic Name	Symbolism
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

What do stripes on a coat of arms mean?

A diagonal stripe, called a bend, was used to symbolise defence. A diagonal set of stripes, forming a cross on the shield, was used to denote the resolve of the owner. An angled stripe was called a chevron and denoted the faithfulness of the owner, usually to the Crown.

What does a raven mean on a coat of arms?

CHAPLET: The emblem of peace and understanding. CHOUGH: A raven like bird, symbolizes death.

What does a star mean in heraldry?

Stars are nearly ubiquitous in United States heraldry and vexillology and nearly always appear unpierced with five straight-sided points. In the flag of the United States, each star represents one state.

Does Corvus mean raven?

The name is derived from the Latin corvus meaning “raven”.

How do you read a heraldry?

Heraldic Ordinaries

Fess = horizontal stripe across the shield.
Pale = vertical stripe down the shield.
Bend = diagonal stripe.
Chevron = like a house gable, pointing upwards.
Cross = a plain cross.
Saltire = a ‘St. Andrew’s cross’
Chief = bar across top edge of shield.
Bordure = border round edges of shield.