The A to Z of Armorial Bearings: A Comprehensive Guide to Heraldry

Introduction

Armorial bearings, also known as coats of arms, are symbolic designs used to identify individuals, families, organizations, and countries. With a rich history dating back centuries, they have evolved into a captivating art form that continues to captivate and inspire.

History of Armorial Bearings

The origins of armorial bearings can be traced to medieval Europe, where knights adorned their shields with unique emblems to distinguish themselves on the battlefield. These early designs often depicted heraldic animals, such as lions and eagles, which symbolized strength and courage.

The Role of Heralds

As tournaments and warfare became more prevalent, the need for a standardized system of identification arose. Heralds, official messengers, emerged as the guardians of heraldry, responsible for recording and regulating the use of coats of arms.

Elements of Armorial Bearings

A coat of arms typically consists of the following elements:

Shield

The shield is the foundation of the design, providing a canvas for the heraldic charges.

Charges

Charges are the symbols or figures depicted on the shield. These can range from simple geometric shapes to complex scenes, each with its own symbolic meaning.

Crest

Mounted at the top of the shield, the crest is a three-dimensional figure that represents the bearer's personality or accomplishments.

Motto

A motto, often written on a scroll below the shield, conveys a personal message or family maxim.

Heraldry in Practice

Armorial bearings have had a profound influence on various aspects of society:

Genealogy

Coats of arms have been used for centuries to trace family lineages and establish kinship. Genealogists use heraldic symbols to connect individuals to their ancestors.

Identity

Armorial bearings have served as a means of identification for individuals and organizations. They are displayed on flags, seals, uniforms, and buildings, representing the bearer's history and achievements.

Art

Heraldry is a highly stylized art form that has inspired numerous artistic works. From paintings and sculptures to illuminated manuscripts, heraldic designs have been a source of inspiration for generations of artists.

Typology of Armorial Bearings

Armorial bearings can be classified into different types:

Personal Arms

Personal arms are granted to individuals, typically by a heraldic authority. These arms represent the bearer's personal attributes and achievements.

Family Arms

Family arms are inherited and passed down through generations. They represent the collective identity of a family, symbolizing its history and lineage.

Corporate Arms

Corporate arms are granted to organizations, such as businesses, universities, and municipalities. These arms represent the organization's mission, values, and history.

The Art of Heraldry

Heraldry is a specialized art form that requires extensive knowledge of symbolism and design principles. Heraldic artists, known as heralds, create and register coats of arms in accordance with established rules and regulations.

The Language of Heraldry

To interpret the meaning of armorial bearings, it is crucial to understand the language of heraldry. This includes:

Tinctures

Tinctures are the colors used in heraldry. Each tincture has a specific symbolic meaning, such as red for valor and blue for loyalty.

Ordinaries

Ordinaries are geometric shapes that are often used as the foundation of a coat of arms. They can represent physical characteristics, virtues, or historical events.

Charges

Charges are the symbols or figures depicted on the shield. These can range from animals and plants to abstract designs.

Marshaling

Marshaling refers to the arrangement of different coats of arms to create a composite design. This is often used to represent family alliances or inheritances.

Famous Examples of Armorial Bearings

Throughout history, numerous individuals and organizations have adopted armorial bearings as symbols of their power, prestige, and identity:

The Royal Arms of the United Kingdom

The Royal Arms of the United Kingdom are a complex and majestic design that represents the monarch's power and authority. The arms incorporate elements from the constituent countries of the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The Papal Arms

The Papal Arms are the official coat of arms of the Pope. They depict the crossed keys of Saint Peter, the first pope, and the papal tiara, which symbolizes the pope's authority as the head of the Catholic Church.

The Arms of the City of New York

The Arms of the City of New York depict a shield with a beaver, representing the city's Dutch heritage, and a Native American, symbolizing the city's indigenous population. The shield is surmounted by an eagle, representing the United States of America.

Armorial Bearings in the Modern World

In the modern world, armorial bearings continue to be used for various purposes:

Identity and Recognition

Many individuals, families, and organizations use armorial bearings to establish their identity and distinguish themselves from others.

Historical Research

Heraldic symbols provide valuable insights into the history and lineage of individuals and organizations.

Cultural Heritage

Armorial bearings are an integral part of many cultures, serving as a tangible connection to the past and a source of pride.

Art and Design

Heraldic motifs have inspired numerous art and design projects, from fashion to architecture.

Stories and Legends

Armorial bearings often carry stories and legends that have been passed down through generations.

Humorous Tales of Armorial Bearings

Throughout history, there have been many amusing and peculiar stories associated with armorial bearings:

The Armless Knight

During a tournament, a knight arrived wearing armorial bearings featuring a shield with a blank escutcheon. When asked about his lack of charges, he replied, "I have fought so valiantly that my enemies have stripped me of all my heraldry."

The Rabbit's Tail

A noble family was granted arms depicting three rabbits tails. When asked why they chose such an unusual charge, the family replied that their ancestor had rescued a king from a charging rabbit by grabbing its tail and throwing it to safety.

The Blue Goose

A merchant family with the surname Gosling adopted arms featuring a blue goose. However, they mistakenly registered the arms with the goose depicted as a pig. This error was not discovered until many years later, much to the amusement of the family.

Lessons from Humorous Tales

These humorous stories highlight the whimsical and often subjective nature of heraldry. They remind us that:

• Heraldry is a personal and subjective expression. The meaning and symbolism of a coat of arms can vary depending on the bearer's interpretation.
• Errors can occur in heraldry. Even the most experienced heralds can make mistakes, as in the case of the "blue goose."
• Heraldry is not immune to humor and creativity. The use of unusual or unexpected charges can add a touch of whimsy and uniqueness to a coat of arms.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Tinctures and Their Meanings

Table 2: Common Ordinaries and Their Meanings

Table 3: Selected Figures in Heraldry and Their Meanings

Effective Strategies for Designing Armorial Bearings

• Research your family history and cultural roots. This will provide insights into the symbols and meanings that might be appropriate for your coat of arms.
• Consult with a heraldic artist. A professional can help you create a design that is both visually appealing and heraldically correct.
• Consider your personal qualities and achievements. The charges and tinctures you choose should reflect your personality, values, and accomplishments.
• Use symbolism and imagery to convey your message. Heraldry is a language of symbols, so take advantage of this to create a design that tells your story.
• Keep it simple. A well-designed coat of arms should be visually balanced and easy to understand.

Tips and Tricks for Creating Armorial Bearings

• Avoid using too many charges. A crowded shield can be difficult to read and understand.
• Use colors and tinctures effectively. Tinctures can convey important meanings, so choose them carefully.
• Be consistent with your symbolism. The charges and tinctures you use should complement each other and create a cohesive design.
• Consider the shape and composition of your shield. The shape of the shield can influence the overall look of your coat of arms.
• Get feedback from others. Ask friends, family, or a heraldic artist to review your design and provide feedback.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Plagiarism. Do not copy or use elements from existing coats of arms without permission.
• Over-complication. A cluttered or overly complex design can be difficult to understand.
• Inaccurate symbolism. Ensure that the charges and tinctures you use have the correct meanings.
• Poor color choices. Avoid using colors that clash or create an