MY COAT OF ARMS(BRAINSTORM) 1. A symbol representing that which you would die for. 2. What important long-range goal do you have? 3. Design a symbol representing your greatest accomplishment or a

talent you are proud of in your life. 4. What animal would you choose for your mascot? Pick one that

represents a character trait that you have or would like to have. (The eagle symbolizes independence and fearlessness.) If you prefer a plant you may use a plant instead.

 5. For your ribbon…what proverb or popular saying expresses your

philosophy of life? Express it in few words. 6. Something your family loves to do together. 7. Birth Order – where do you fit in the family?

Exploring Heraldry / Family Coats of Arms

A BRIEF HISTORY….

There are literally hundreds of

different symbols (or charges)

that can appear on coats of

arms. The colors that are chosen

and even the shape of the shield

itself can have significance for

the Family, Clan or Sept that

was to bear the arms.

Meanings of symbols

Elements of a Coat of Arms Shield: The colours and charges (lions, designs) that appear

on the shield are a part of the official blazon, but the shape of the shield is not. Shield shapes vary according to the geographical origin as well as the time period.

Crest: Also a part of the official blazon, the crest is whatever

appears above the helm. (There is not always a crest for every coat of arms.)

Helm: Not a part of the official blazon, the helmet varies with the bearer's rank, the century represented, or the herald's / artist's preference.

Wreath: Not a part of the official blazon, the wreath usually consists of the primary colour and metal.

Mantle / Mantling: Not a part of the official blazon (except

often colours are specified), the design varies with the herald's / artist's preference. Represents the cloth that hung from the wreath and protected the back of the head / neck, even though it may often be depicted more like the leaves of a plant.

Symbolism of Birds on Crests:

Martlet/Swallow = One who has been dispossessed of land. Sign for fourth son. In Ireland the Martlett was the bird of perpetual movement e.g. McGill, McCoy

• Eagle = Protector, a person of action, noble nature, power, strength. In Ireland the eagle, along with other birds, was regarded as one of the 'demons of the air' and was thus a very popular and powerful charge. E.g. Harrison, Dunne

• Peacock = Beauty, pride 

• Swan = A musical person, poetry, harmony

• Dove = Love, Peace. In Ireland the Dove was regarded as the bird of God e.g. Nash, Sheehan

Others symbols of a Coat of Arms

An arm or hand in armor = A person with qualities of leadership

Anchor = Hope; religious steadfastness

Angels = Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news

Bear = Strength, cunning, ferocity in the protection of one's kindred

Symbols cont.

Bee = Efficient industry

Bishop's Mitre = Authority

Buck = One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony

Dragons = Valiant defender of treasure; valour and protection

Swan = Poetic harmony and learning, or lover thereof; light, love, grace, sincerity, perfection

Hunting dog = Courage, vigilance, and loyalty

Others:Sea horse = Power of the water

Rock = Safety and protection; refuge

Unicorn = Extreme courage; virtue and strength

Vine = Strong and lasting friendship

Symbolism of Colours:Or (Gold) Generosity        

Argent (Silver or White) Sincerity, Peace  

Purpure (Purple) Justice, Sovereignty, Regal  

Gules (Red) Warrior, Martyr, Military Strength  

Azure (Blue) Strength, Loyalty  

Vert (Green) Hope, loyalty in love  

Sable (Black) Constancy, Grief  

Tenne or Tawny (Orange) Worthwhile Ambition  

Sanguine or Murray (Maroon) Victorious, Patient in Battle  

Example crests:

School / Academy Crests:

An example of New Zealand’s Crest:

The Mitchell coat of arms came into existence centuries ago. The process of creating coats of arms (family crests) began in the eighth and ninth centuries. The newer art of Heraldry made it possible for families and even individual family members to have their very own coat of arms.