What does a shield on a family crest mean?

What does a shield on a family crest mean?

In heraldry, an escutcheon (/ɪˈskʌtʃən/) is a shield that forms the main or focal element in an achievement of arms. The word is used in two related senses. First, as the shield on which a coat of arms is displayed; second, a shield can itself be a charge within a coat of arms.

What are the traditional symbols on a shield?

A common design on a shield was a pun on the family last name. For example, the coat of arms for . Some shields showed allegiance to one side in a battle 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.”

What is the difference between a crest and a shield?

Shield: The shield is the center of the design; it is the only necessary piece when designing a coat of arms. Crest: This symbolic object sits atop of the coat of arms. Helm: A helmet rests below the crest but above the shield. It reflects the origins of heraldry.

What do the colors mean on a family crest?

Silver / White – Argent: Signifies truth, sincerity, peace, innocence and purity. Gold – Or: Signifies wisdom, generosity, glory, constancy and faith. Blue – Azure: Signifies loyalty, chastity, truth, strength and faith. Red – Gules: Signifies magnanimity, military strength, warrior and martyr.

Is there a difference between coat of arms and family crest?

Although some people refer to a “family crest” and a “coat of arms” interchangeably, there is a difference. A crest is an element or part of a coat of arms, but not the entire arms. On a coat of arms, the crest is found above the shield, usually on top of a helmet.

What are heraldic terms?

Heraldic descriptions are called blazons. The term is derived from the French blason, the etymology of which is uncertain. Originally it denoted the shield of arms itself and still retains that meaning, but it is now generally used in a derivative sense as meaning the description of the arms.

What is a heraldic symbol?

heraldry, the science and the art that deal with the use, display, and regulation of hereditary symbols employed to distinguish individuals, armies, institutions, and corporations. Those symbols, which originated as identification devices on flags and shields, are called armorial bearings.

What are the traditional colors and symbols on a shield?

The Colours of Heraldry The five traditional colours are, with their heraldic names: Red = Gules. Blue = Azure. Green = Vert.

What are the 8 parts to a heraldic shield?

An achievement was made up of eight parts and there were very specific rules as to what colours could be used in a heraldic device….The eight parts of an achievement were:

• The shield.
• The helmet.
• The mantling.
• The wreath.
• The crest.
• The supporters.
• The coronets.
• The mottoes.

What are the elements of a shield?

A coat of arms is a heraldic visual design on an escutcheon (i.e., shield), surcoat, or tabard. The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central element of the full heraldic achievement, which in its whole consists of a shield, supporters, a crest, and a motto.

What do Shield colors mean?

Silver / White – Argent: Signifies truth, sincerity, peace, innocence and purity. Blue – Azure: Signifies loyalty, chastity, truth, strength and faith. Red – Gules: Signifies magnanimity, military strength, warrior and martyr. Purple – Purpure: Signifies temperance, regal, justice, royal majesty, and sovereignty.

What is the meaning of the symbols on a shield?

ASS – Uncommon in heraldry, represents patience.. AXE – The symbol of military service and duty. Very common in crests, less so on the shield. BADGER – Also known as a brock, denotes intelligence. Rarely used. BARNACLE – Not a sea creature, but a horse grooming tool.

What is a shield called in heraldic language?

shields in heraldic language are called escutcheon. by various lines of partition. The shield contains the field where on are represented the charges and figures that form a Coat of Arms. possibilities of medieval heraldry shields – divisions and ordinaries. sons of one family, but also denote the subordinate degrees in each house.

What is a coat of arms shield?

There are many imaginative variations and combinations in every coat of arms shield that identifies the particular carrier /owner of a Coat of Arms. shields in heraldic language are called escutcheon. by various lines of partition. The shield contains the field where on are represented the charges and figures that form a Coat of Arms.

What is the meaning of the symbols on the Fitzgerald crest?

The crest of Fitzgerald. ARK-NOAHS- Rarely encountered, the symbol of the Church. ARM- Very common in crests, denotes industry. ARROW- The symbol of readiness, commonly used as a pun on the surname, as in Fletcher (arrow maker) Usually seen in crests, but occurs regularly on the shield also.