MY COAT OF ARMS (BRAINSTORM) 1.A symbol representing that which you would die for.
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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?
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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. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of MY COAT OF ARMS (BRAINSTORM) 1.A symbol representing that which you would die for.
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.
