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Heraldry - The History of Coat of Arms and Family Crests Portion of the Bayeux Tapestry    What is Heraldry? Heraldry is the study and description of the symbols displayed on coats of arms used by individuals and families as the proclaimation of their rights to bear arms. Heraldry, or the study of coat of arms, was invented out of a military need for identification during face to face combat in medieval battles. Later family coat of arms evolved into its own artform regulated by noblemen appointed as Heralds by ruling families. In modern times, the study of heradry serves a useful tool for family historians and genealogist worldwide to trace family lineages and uncover the history and characteristics of family surnames. The Origin of Heraldry During medieval times, knights attended battles and tournaments dressed in battle armor comprised of chain and link mail coats as well as helmets and other protective gear hid their identities from both their friend and their enemies. In order to prevent attacks among friends, knights set themselves apart by blazoning their chest and shields with clearly visible symbols and colors. The earliest record of Knights identifying themselves with symbols on banners and seals is the Bayeux Tapestry. The Bayeux Tapestry is a 20ft x 70ft embroidered clothe that depicts the events leading up to the invastion of England by the Normans in 1066. At the time that the Bayeux Tapestry was developed, modern heraldry had not been fully established, but the banners and seals displayed on the tapestry showed that the foundation for heraldry had been established. During the Christian Crusades (1096-1271), the practice of heraldry spread across the European countries. The first evidence of using symbols to identify fighting soldiers were banners adopted as a symbol for the commanders of the calvery. Participants in battles during later Crusades beared the coats of arms on their chests and shields. Even after the last Christian Crusades, knights from many Christian territories throughout Europe displayed their coat of arms while competing in tournaments. As time progressed, the military need for these symbols diminished, but families and individuals wishing to bear arms maintained the importance of the coat of arms. Noble men, named Heralds, were appointed by the ruling class to regulate the practice of Heraldry. These Heralds oversaw disputes between families in the of symbols. Eventually, the knowledge of these Heralds allowed these men to form a sort of terminology related to the use of the coat of arms. Cool Products Complete Book of Heraldry Design Your Own Coat of Arms Heraldry : Genealogy Research Many early genealogists in Ireland attempted to link the different Irish families by studying the shared symbols blazoned on each family's coat of arms. For example, families with the surnames, MacCarthy, O'Sullivan, and Heally all share the stag symbol on their coat of arms. Thus, many believe this symbol relates these families to a single decedent. The Irish people applied this myth to an old Gaelic law that states that what a person owns depends on with whom they are related. Not a lot of evidence exists to link a family crest to a particular family. Traditionally, heraldic governing bodies award family crests to an individual, not a family. Therefore, the single surname, Smith, may be linked to a multitude of family crests. Many families around the world proudly display their family coat of arms as banners, flags, letters of correspondent, clothing, and means of transportation. In an attempt to govern the rights to a coat of arms, Ireland formed the offices of King of Arms or King of Heralds in 1552. Later the Genealogical Office assumed the duties of regulating and legitimizing Anglo Saxon coat of arms. In 1909, the then Chief Herald, Sir Newville Wilkinson, transformed the Genealogy Offices into the State Heraldic Museum. Interesting Facts About Heraldry 1. The metals, Gold and Silver (argent) are the only metals accepted when practicing heraldry. 2. Males display their coat of arms on a shield, but unmarried women or widows display their coat of arms inside of a diamond shape (or rhombus) called a lozenge. As an exception, the Queen of England displays her coat of arms on a shield like the men. 3. Chartered in 1483 by Richard III of England, Herald's College handles all matters related to heraldry for England and the order of the Garter. 4. The terms, sinister and 5. The term, tincture, is used to refer to colors in heradry. Only 5 colors dominate the color pallet when practicing Heraldry : Blue (azure) - Truth and loyalty Black (sable) - Constancy or grief Green (vert) - Hope, joy, and loyalty in love Red (gules) - Warrior or martyr Purple (purpure) - Royal majestic, sovereignty, and justice. Coat of Arms : Colors and Symbolic Meanings The knights who first blazoned the symbols onto their coat of arms initially used clearly visible geometric shapes and the combination of 2 to 3 colors in order for their friends and foes to quickly identify in the heat of battle. As the practice of heraldry evolved to a more ornamental purpose, animals and non-violent symbols were introduced. The meanings of the symbols chosen expressed the character of the family. Examples of Heraldic symbols with their commonly accepted meanings :    Acorn Antiquity and Strength    Anchor Hope; religious steadfast Angels Dignity, glory, missionary    Antlers Strength and Fortitude Bear Strength, verocity in protection of one's family    Beaver Industry and Perseverance Boar Bravery; Fights to the death    Bones Mortality Bow Rediness for battle    Bridge Governor or Magistrate Buck or Deer One who will not fight unless provoked    Bull Valour, bravery, generocity Castle Safety    Wildcat or Cougar Liberty, vigilence, courage Cinquefoils Hope and Joy    Dagger Justice and Military Honor Dove Loving, constancey, and peace    Fish True generous mind Lion Dauntless courage    Grapes Felicity and peace; Association with wine making Grasshopper Noble and home bred    Horseshoe Goodluck and safeguard against evil spirits

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