Symbols and Medieval Society

What is a Symbol?A way of identifying and communicating an

idea or meaning with out the use of wordsCan be used in may different ways

Logos Religion Warfare Group Association

We use symbols every where and in many different ways

Symbol

Why would Medieval society use symbols?Symbols do not require text. Much of society

was not able to read (illiterate) How would Medieval societies use symbols?

Medieval Symbol Use

Used Symbols to convey stories and ideas from the bible so people could better understand them

http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-art/early-christian-art.htm

Religion and Symbols

The Last Judgment

Colours and symbols would be one way to make distinctions between sides

Communication between an army could be done through symbols

Warfare and Symbols

Guilds used symbols to identify themselves Towns and Cities would adopt symbols to help

identify themselves

Group Association

Knight and nobles had coat of arms or family crest which were their symbols

These were often proudly shown on Shields, tapestries or clothing

Why would it be important to show your coat of arms?

Knights and Nobility and their Symbols

Read page 144What does it tell us about Identity and

symbols?You will now make your own Coat of Arms

based on you and your family’s identity At least four different ideas and family name in

middle /5Explanation of the ideas, colours and pictures

and how they relate to you or your family /5Creative and clear presentation /5

Total /15

Identity and Coat of Arms