Armorial Bearings: A Comprehensive Guide to the Language of Heraldry

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History and Significance of Heraldry
• Components of Armorial Bearings
• Types of Armorial Bearings
• Rules of Heraldry
• Marshalling Armorial Bearings
• Difference Marks
• Use and Display of Armorial Bearings
• Humorous Stories in Heraldry
• Tables
• Effective Strategies
• Tips and Tricks
• Step-by-Step Approach
• Why Matters and Benefits
• Call to Action

Introduction

Armorial bearings, also known as coats of arms or heraldic devices, are a visual representation of a person, family, organization, or territory. They have been used for centuries to identify, distinguish, and honor individuals and groups. The language of heraldry, which governs the design and use of armorial bearings, is a fascinating and complex field of study. This comprehensive guide will provide an overview of the history, significance, components, and rules of heraldry.

History and Significance of Heraldry

Heraldry originated in medieval Europe around the 12th century. Knights and warriors used heraldic devices to identify themselves on the battlefield. Over time, these devices became more elaborate and were adopted by nobles, families, and towns. By the 14th century, heraldry had become a well-established system with strict rules and regulations.

The main purpose of heraldry was to distinguish between individuals on the battlefield. However, it also served other purposes:

• Identification: Armorial bearings helped to identify people, especially in an era when literacy was not widespread.
• Honor: Coats of arms were a mark of honor and distinction, often used to reward bravery or service.
• Legitimacy: Armorial bearings were granted by monarchs and other authorities to legitimize individuals and organizations.
• Inheritance: Coats of arms were passed down through generations, symbolizing the lineage and heritage of families.

Today, heraldry continues to be a valued tradition, with many countries and organizations still using armorial bearings as a form of identification and recognition.

Components of Armorial Bearings

An armorial bearing typically consists of the following components:

• Shield: The main part of the coat of arms, which bears the primary charges and colors.
• Helm: A helmet placed above the shield, which can be of various types and styles.
• Mantling: A decorative cloth draped around the helm, often adorned with the coat of arms' colors or charges.
• Crest: A figure or object placed on top of the helm, which often represents the bearer's lineage or profession.
• Motto: A short phrase or saying placed below the shield, which expresses the bearer's values or beliefs.

Types of Armorial Bearings

There are several different types of armorial bearings:

• Personal Arms: Granted to individuals, these arms are unique and cannot be used by others.
• Family Arms: Granted to families, these arms are passed down through generations and can be used by all members of the family.
• Corporate Arms: Granted to businesses, organizations, and institutions, these arms represent the entity and its members.
• Civic Arms: Granted to cities, towns, and other communities, these arms represent the municipality and its citizens.
• Ecclesiastical Arms: Granted to churches, religious organizations, and clergy, these arms represent the institution and its beliefs.

Rules of Heraldry

Heraldry has a strict set of rules that govern the design and use of armorial bearings. These rules include:

• Tinctures: Only certain colors can be used in heraldry, known as tinctures. These include metals (gold and silver), colors (blue, red, green, black, and purple), and furs (ermine and vair).
• Charges: The symbols and figures placed on the shield are known as charges. These charges can be anything from animals and plants to geometric shapes and objects.
• Ordinarys: Ordinarys are special charges that divide the shield into different sections. These include stripes, crosses, and bends.
• Marshall: The arrangement of charges and ordinaries on the shield is known as marshalling.
• Blazon: A formal description of a coat of arms, using specific heraldic terminology, is known as a blazon.

Marshalling Armorial Bearings

Armorial bearings can be marshalled in various ways to create new and unique designs. This is often done to combine the arms of different families or individuals. The most common methods of marshalling include:

• Impalement: Placing two coats of arms side-by-side, with the husband's arms on the left and the wife's arms on the right.
• Quartering: Dividing the shield into four quarters, with each quarter bearing a different coat of arms.
• Diminution: Adding a small charge to a coat of arms to differentiate between individuals or branches of a family.

Difference Marks

Difference marks are used to distinguish between members of the same family who share the same coat of arms. These marks can be added to any part of the coat of arms, such as the crest, shield, or motto. The most common difference marks include:

• Labels: A horizontal band placed across the shield, with a number of points indicating the bearer's position in the family.
• Bordures: A narrow band running around the edge of the shield, which can be of various colors and designs.
• Canton: A square or rectangular area placed in the corner of the shield, which can bear a different coat of arms or charge.

Use and Display of Armorial Bearings

Armorial bearings can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• Signets and Seals: Coats of arms are often used on signets and seals to authenticate documents and letters.
• Jewellery: Armorial bearings are often depicted on rings, pendants, and other jewellery pieces.
• Furniture: Coats of arms can be carved into furniture, such as chairs, tables, and beds.
• Architecture: Armorial bearings are often displayed on buildings, such as churches, castles, and public buildings.
• Flags: Coats of arms are used on flags to represent countries, cities, and organizations.

Humorous Stories in Heraldry

Heraldry is a fascinating field, but it can also be a source of amusement. Over the centuries, many humorous stories have emerged about armorial bearings and their use. Here are three examples:

• The Pig with a Pearl Neck: A nobleman named Sir John Fastolf was granted a coat of arms featuring a pig wearing a pearl necklace. The reason for this strange charge is unknown, but it is thought that Sir John may have been a wealthy merchant who traded in pearls.
• The Three Fleurs-de-Lis: The coat of arms of France features three fleurs-de-lis. Legend has it that King Clovis I was baptized at Rheims, where a dove brought a vial of holy oil to anoint him. The oil was said to have contained three lilies, which became the national symbol of France.
• The Dancing Bear: The coat of arms of the German city of Bern features a bear standing on its hind legs. The legend behind this charge is that the city was founded by a group of hunters who were chased by a bear. The bear was killed, and its skin was used to create a banner for the new city. However, the bear was so large that it could not lie flat on the banner, so it had to stand on its hind legs.

Tables

Effective Strategies

• Research: Before designing a coat of arms, research the rules of heraldry and the history of your family or organization.
• Simplicity: Use simple, clear designs that are easy to identify and blazon.
• Symbolism: Use charges that have personal or symbolic meaning to the bearer.
• Color: Use colors that are appropriate for the bearer and the purpose of the arms.
• Uniqueness: Create a design that is unique and not easily confused with other arms.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a Heraldry Book: There are many books available that can help you design and blazon your own armorial bearings.
• Consult with a Herald: Professional heralds can assist you with the design and registration of your coat of arms.
• Use Online Resources: There are several online resources that provide information on heraldry and coat of arms design.
• Practice: The best way to learn about heraldry is to practice designing and blazoning coats of arms.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Research: Learn about the rules