What is Heraldry? Exploring Common Symbols, Traditions, and Rules

Heraldry, an art form steeped in history and tradition, evokes images of knights, medieval battles, and grand family crests. Passed down through generations, these symbols tell the stories of families, institutions, and powerful individuals. 

Let’s delve into the vibrant world of heraldry, uncovering its meanings, symbols, and why it remains relevant today.

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Heraldry originated in the medieval period as a means to identify combatants who were otherwise unrecognisable in their armour. Over time, it evolved into a sophisticated language of symbols, each with its own meaning and history. The heraldry definition encapsulates the practice of designing, granting, displaying, and recording coats of arms and heraldic symbols.

Heraldry evolved in Europe during the High Middle Ages, starting in the 12th century, as a means of identification in combat. It wasn't invented by a single individual but developed organically as knights and noblemen began to use distinctive symbols to identify themselves and their allegiances. Over time, the practice became formalised and spread across Europe.

Heraldry follows a set of basic rules designed to ensure that each coat of arms is unique and follows the conventions of the practice. These rules cover everything from the layout of the shield to the correct use of heraldic terms. Understanding these principles is essential for anyone interested in the history and heraldry of their family or institution:

Heraldic symbols, or 'charges', are the heart of a coat of arms. They range from animals and mythical creatures to objects and abstract designs, each carrying its own significance. Let’s explore some common symbols and their meanings.

The lion, often called the "king of beasts," symbolises courage, strength, and nobility. A lion depicted in heraldry, known as a heraldic lion, may take various positions, each with a different meaning.

With its splendid tail feathers displayed, the peacock symbolises beauty, pride, and renewal. The peacock coat of arms or peacock family crest often represents an individual or family of high standing, known for their dignity and grace.

Horses in heraldry symbolise speed, loyalty, and bravery. A horse coat of arms might be found in the heraldry of families with a history of knighthood or military service. The image of three horseshoes, as seen in the Three Horseshoes Maiden Law menu or coat of arms, can also signify good luck and protection.

Wolves in heraldry are symbolic of loyalty, courage, and the willingness to fight for what is right. A wolf crest or wolf coat of arms often belongs to those seen as protectors of their family or land.

Rose heraldry is rich with meaning, often symbolising love, beauty, and the complexity of the bearer's achievements. The heraldic rose is a common motif, reflecting the balance between beauty and defence, akin to a rose's petals and thorns.

The eagle symbolises high aspirations, strength, and the power of sight. In heraldry, an eagle displayed (with wings spread) represents freedom and the pursuit of higher understanding. It's often associated with leaders and visionaries, symbolising their lofty goals and ability to oversee matters with clarity.

A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, the griffin embodies the courage and strength of a lion and the vigilance and speed of an eagle. This heraldic beast is a guardian of treasures and signifies the dual nature of bravery in battle and wisdom in leadership.

An oak tree or oak leaves in heraldry symbolises strength, stability, and endurance. The oak is known for its longevity and its ability to withstand storms, making it a symbol of steadfastness and resilience. Families or people who identify with these traits may include the oak in their coat of arms.

Originally associated with the French monarchy, the fleur-de-lis is a stylised lily symbolising purity, light, and the Virgin Mary in some contexts. Its inclusion in a coat of arms can denote a connection to noble ideals, religious devotion, or a historical link to France.

The cross, in its many variations, is a universal symbol of faith, Christian devotion, and the protection of God. Its presence in heraldry can indicate a commitment to Christian values, a history of participation in the Crusades, or a call for divine guidance and protection.

Often depicted amidst flames, the salamander in heraldry represents the ability to withstand adversity, specifically the fire of trials and tribulations. It symbolises purity, the regeneration of the soul through hardship, and the transformational power of fire.

A chevron, resembling an inverted 'V', is a symbol of protection derived from the shape of a roof. It signifies that the bearer has accomplished some notable feat of construction or enduring fortitude, often associated with military engineering or the construction of fortifications.

A tower or castle in heraldry signifies vigilance, a strong defence, and home. It represents the bearer's commitment to protecting their family or community and their strength in standing firm against adversity.

A heraldry helmet, placed above the shield, denotes rank and status. It also symbolises the wearer's readiness to defend their beliefs and honour. The style and position of the helmet can indicate the bearer’s rank in medieval society.

For instance, a helmet positioned in profile with the visor closed might denote a knight, signifying readiness for battle and a commitment to chivalric values. In contrast, a helmet shown affronté (facing forward) with an open visor could indicate a higher rank, such as a baron or higher nobility, suggesting openness to dialogue and governance.

Moreover, the heraldry helmet symbolises the armiger's readiness to defend their honour and that of their family or community. This readiness encompasses the moral and ethical battles one might face in upholding their principles and values, representing a deeper commitment to the ideals of nobility, courage, and integrity.

Beyond its symbolic meanings, the heraldry helmet adds a layer of visual richness to the coat of arms. Its design and detailing contribute to the overall beauty of the heraldic achievement, creating a visually striking emblem that is as meaningful as it is magnificent.

Heraldic colours, or 'tinctures', include both traditional colours and metals. Each colour has its own heraldry meaning, conveying the values and attributes of the armiger (the person or entity that holds the coat of arms).

While its origins lie in medieval battlefields, heraldry is not confined to the past. Today, it continues to be used by individuals, families, and institutions worldwide to symbolise their identity, history, and values. The art of heraldry remains a fascinating study, connecting us with our heritage and the stories of those who came before us.

In contemporary times, heraldry goes beyond its medieval roots of battlefield identification. It links to someone’s heritage, celebrating family history and achievements. Heraldry today is a way of honouring past generations while continuing a legacy that can be passed down to future ones. It's also used by organisations and institutions to symbolise their values, history, and goals.

Identifying heraldry symbols involves understanding the language of heraldry, including the meanings of colours, charges (symbols), and arrangements on the shield. Each element, from the type of animal to the colour and position, tells part of the story of the person, family, or institution it represents. Consulting heraldic dictionaries or databases or working with a heraldic artist or scholar can help identify and interpret these symbols.

An example of modern heraldry can be seen in corporate logos, badges of sports clubs, or symbols of governmental agencies. These contemporary uses draw on heraldic principles to create symbols that communicate identity, values, and heritage. For instance, many universities have coats of arms that encapsulate their history, purpose, and ethos.

Colours (or tinctures) in heraldry are imbued with specific meanings. Each colour represents different qualities or attributes associated with the armiger. For example, blue (azure) symbolises loyalty and trust, red (gules) denotes courage and bravery, and gold (or) reflects generosity and elevation of the mind.

In many countries, the right to bear a coat of arms is regulated by law or heraldic authorities. In the United Kingdom, for instance, coats of arms are granted by the College of Arms and require a lawful right to use them. In other countries, the legal framework may vary, and in some places, there are no restrictions on the creation or use of heraldic symbols.

While historically, coats of arms were associated with nobility, today, anyone can commission the creation of a coat of arms. However, in jurisdictions with heraldic authorities, such as the UK or Canada, there are formal processes and criteria for officially granting arms. In countries without such authorities, people may design and use their own coats of arms more freely.

While the Vikings did not use heraldry in the way it developed in the High Middle Ages in Europe, they did use symbols and motifs on their shields, flags, and boats that served similar purposes of identification and representation. These symbols, however, did not follow the formalised rules and practices of later heraldic traditions.

In heraldry, the system of cadency involves the use of marks to indicate the birth order of sons. The heraldry symbol for the firstborn son is a label, which is a horizontal band across the top of the shield with pendant tags. This system allows for the differentiation between the arms of the holder and their heirs.

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