Heraldry: An In-Depth Look at Its Terms and Symbolism
Introduction
Heraldry is an ancient and fascinating art form that has its roots in medieval Europe. This intricate system of designing and displaying coats of arms is not only a visual representation of family, social status, and achievements but also a testament to the rich history and symbolism embedded within. To fully appreciate and understand the world of heraldry, it is essential to familiarize oneself with the terms used in this unique discipline. In this blog post, we will delve into the colorful and captivating world of heraldry by exploring its key terms, symbols, and the meanings behind them.
Section 1: The Basics of Heraldry Terminology
1.1 Field
The field refers to the background of the shield, which can be a single color, divided into multiple sections, or decorated with patterns. The colors of the field are known as tinctures and come in two categories: metals (gold and silver, referred to as Or and Argent, respectively) and colors (red, blue, green, purple, and black, known as Gules, Azure, Vert, Purpure, and Sable, respectively).
1.2 Division
Divisions are the various ways a shield can be divided or partitioned. Some common types of divisions include the following:
Per pale: Divided vertically into two equal parts.
Per fess: Divided horizontally into two equal parts.
Per bend: Divided diagonally from the upper left (dexter) corner to the lower right (sinister) corner.
Per bend sinister: Divided diagonally from the upper right (dexter) corner to the lower left (sinister) corner.
Per saltire: Divided into four equal parts by both diagonal lines.
Quarterly: Divided into four equal parts, two horizontal and two vertical.
1.3 Charge
A charge is any symbol or emblem placed on the field of the shield. These can be animals, plants, geometric shapes, or other objects. The use of charges in heraldry is vast, with some common examples including lions, eagles, fleurs-de-lis, and crosses.
1.4 Ordinaries
Ordinaries are simple geometric shapes that are used as primary charges on a shield. Some common ordinaries include the following:
Chief: A horizontal band across the top of the shield.
Pale: A vertical band down the center of the shield.
Bend: A diagonal band from the upper left to the lower right.
Bend sinister: A diagonal band from the upper right to the lower left.
Fess: A horizontal band across the center of the shield.
Chevron: A V-shaped band with the point at the bottom of the shield.
Section 2: Animals, Plants, and Objects in Heraldry
2.1 Beasts
Beasts are common charges in heraldry and often symbolize strength, courage, and nobility. Some popular examples include:
Lion: The most frequently used animal in heraldry, symbolizing bravery, strength, and royalty.
Eagle: Representing power, authority, and nobility, often associated with empires and kingdoms.
Griffin: A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, symbolizing vigilance, courage, and strength.
Unicorn: A legendary creature representing purity, innocence, and magic.
Dragon: A symbol of power, wisdom, and protection, often used in the heraldry of royal families.
2.2 Plants
Plant elements used in heraldry often carry symbolic meanings, such as virtues or characteristics associated with the bearer. Some common examples include:
Fleur-de-lis: A stylized lily, representing purity, light, and the Virgin Mary, often associated with French royalty.
Oak tree: A symbol of strength, endurance, and steadfastness.
Rose: Often symbolizing love, beauty, and grace.
Thistle: A prickly plant representing protection and defense, often associated with Scotland.
Wheat sheaf (garb): Symbolizing fertility, abundance, and prosperity.
2.3 Inanimate Objects
Inanimate objects in heraldry can represent various aspects, from the bearer's profession to personal traits. Some examples include:
Castle: A symbol of fortitude, strength, and protection, often associated with nobility or military service.
Crown: Representing authority, sovereignty, and royalty.
Sword: Symbolizing military service, justice, and valor.
Anchor: Representing hope, steadfastness, and maritime associations.
Key: Symbolizing guardianship, knowledge, and trust.
Section 3: Attitudes and Positions in Heraldry
3.1 Attitudes of Animals
The attitude of an animal in heraldry refers to its position or posture. Some common attitudes include:
Rampant: Standing on one hind leg with the other three legs raised, often used for lions and other fierce beasts.
Passant: Walking with one forepaw raised, commonly used for lions, deer, and other animals.
Statant: Standing with all four legs on the ground, used for various animals.
Sejant: Sitting on its haunches, used for various animals.
Couchant: Lying down with its head raised, used for various animals.
3.2 Positions of Objects
The position of an object in heraldry can vary, with some common positions being:
Upright: The object is displayed vertically.
In bend: The object is displayed diagonally from the upper left to the lower right.
In bend sinister: The object is displayed diagonally from the upper right to the lower left.
In pale: The object is displayed vertically in the center of the shield.
In fess: The object is displayed horizontally in the center of the shield.
Section 4: Heraldic Language and Blazoning
4.1 Blazoning
Blazoning is the formal language of heraldry used to describe a coat of arms. A blazon is a written description that allows a knowledgeable reader to recreate the coat of arms accurately. Blazons follow a specific order and use unique terms and phrases to describe the various elements of a coat of arms.
4.2 Key Terms in Blazoning
Understanding the language of blazons requires familiarity with a range of terms and phrases:
Dexter: Refers to the right side of the shield from the viewpoint of the bearer (the left side as we see it).
Sinister: Refers to the left side of the shield from the viewpoint of the bearer (the right side as we see it).
Proper: Indicates that a charge is depicted in its natural colors.
Counterchanged: Describes a division of the shield where the colors or tinctures are reversed on either side of the dividing line.
Engrailed and Invected: Describes a border that has a series of curved indentations or projections, with engrailed being the inward-pointing curves and invected being the outward-pointing curves.
Section 5: The Art of Heraldry
5.1 Marshalling
Marshalling is the process of combining two or more coats of arms, often used to represent marriages, inheritances, or alliances. There are several methods of marshalling, including impalement, dimidiation, and quartering.
Impalement: The practice of placing two coats of arms side by side on the same shield, often used to represent a marriage.
Dimidiation: An older method of combining two coats of arms by taking the dexter half of one shield and the sinister half of another and joining them together.
Quartering: The process of dividing a shield into four or more sections, each containing a different coat of arms.
5.2 Cadency and Difference
Cadency is the system used to differentiate the coats of arms of family members who share the same basic arms. Differences are added to the coat of arms to indicate the relationship to the head of the family, such as eldest son, younger sons, or grandsons. Obviously, this is very useful for genealogists! Common marks of cadency include:
Label: A horizontal strip with pendant tabs, used to indicate the eldest son.
Crescent: A crescent shape, used to indicate the second son.
Mullet: A five-pointed star, used to indicate the third son.
Martlet: A small, stylized bird with no feet, used to indicate the fourth son.
Annulet: A small ring or circle, used to indicate the fifth son.
Fleur-de-lis: Used to indicate the sixth son.
Rose: Used to indicate the seventh son.
Cross moline: A cross with split ends, used to indicate the eighth son.
Double quatrefoil: A stylized four-leaf shape, used to indicate the ninth son.
5.3 Heraldic Achievement
A heraldic achievement is a full display of a coat of arms, including the shield, helmet, mantling, wreath, crest, and any additional elements such as supporters, motto, or order insignia. These elements contribute to the overall symbolism and visual impact of a coat of arms.
Conclusion
The world of heraldry is an intricate and fascinating realm of symbolism, history, and artistry. By familiarizing oneself with the key terms and concepts, one can unlock the layers of meaning embedded within each coat of arms. As a living art form, heraldry continues to evolve and adapt to modern times, carrying with it the stories and legacies of the families it represents. Whether delving into family history or simply admiring the beauty of heraldic design, a deeper understanding of heraldic terms and symbolism offers a richer and more rewarding experience.
