Coat of Arms

A Coat of Arms, also called armorial bearings or arms, is a design used exclusively by a person, who owns the arms.


Image courtesy Somewhere In Tyme


From top to bottom, it is constructed of a ~
  • Crest
    The ornamentation on the top of the helmet that gave protection when hit on the head.Crest is from the Roman word crista, meant to duplicate the crests found on birds. The crista was a horse hair mane projecting from a Roman warrior’s helmet

  • Wreath
    Also called a torse, the wreath represents two silk cords, one colored like the main metal and one like the main tincture [color] twisted together to reveal three twists showing six parts. Straight wreaths were more common, but it could be circular.

    A wreath was granted for special service. The symbolism of the wreath can be found at Scottish Wedding Dreams Heraldic Symbols

  • Helm or Helmet
    Placed above the shield, but below the crest, the Helmet originally marked the wearer’s rank. This designation has relaxed in recent years. The symbolism denotes wisdom and security in defense, with strength, protection, and invulnerability.

  • Shield or Escutcheon
    The shield, or escutcheon, is an actual shape in the main display area of the arms. The field is the surface of the shield and how it’s divided or impaled.

  • Mantle or Mantling
    The cloth used to protect the metal helmet in inclement weather, displayed behind the Coat of Arms. Usually the same colors as in the wreath, but red and white was most popular in England.


    Monaco arms with ermine mantle image courtesy Wikipedia


    This example from the Monaco coat of arms is like a royal robe, red velvet on the outside, with gold trim and an ermine lining.

  • Supporters
    Human figures, animals, or inanimate objects on each side, either facing forward or in profile that appear to be holding up the arms.

  • Heraldic Mottos ~ A quote, a quip, a call to arms, possibly punning the name, location, or deed, usually in Latin

Two coat of arms, centuries and continents apart…one from France and one from Canada…one from the 1300’s and one from the 1900’s.




Image courtesy Wikipedia


Brian Mulroney is a former Prime Minister of Canada. His arms reflect much of his history, with the Red Hand as the centerpiece of the design. It can signify a baron or the Province of Ulster.


Image courtesy Royal Heraldry Society of Canada


Unique Coats of Arms

All are unique, some are funny, others well done, a few weird…

This banner of Pierre Mauclerc has divisions on the bottom edge. It’s the only one I’ve seen with this design feature.


Image courtesy Wikipedia


When I saw the dogs in a tree, I knew there had to be some special significance. I haven’t found it yet, but it’s still intriguing.


Image courtesy Wikipedia


The Basque town of Lekeitio is an old whaling community, as seen in their coat of arms.Further meaning of the whale is as a symbol of the devil and it’s mouth as the ‘Gates of Hell’.


Image courtesy Wikipedia


This coat of arms represents the Slovak town of Hromos. It don’t think everyone in the town was a chimney sweep, but the design is still interesting. The meaning of a chimney sweep hasn’t been found. But in Scottish traditions, to see one on the way to the church for your wedding was considered good luck.


Image source ngw.nl


There’s a long story behind this next coat of arms. An account of its history will be published at Scottish Theme Wedding Newsroom at a future date.


Image courtesy Wikipedia


Some of the things you run across while doing research are simply amazing. I found a woman’s engorged breast, dripping milk. It belonged to one Peter Dodge. Further research reveals the arms were once placed on Dodge cars. Nowhere in the dodge online information did I find any mention or photograph.

I also learned an engorged breast was once called a dugg. Here’s the Peter Dodge coat of arms.


Image courtesy Cheshire Heraldry


Bretagne is located in Brittany, a Celtic area of France. Their coat of arms displays a wonderful example of an overhand knot made into a decorative heraldic design.The gannets [a footless, beakless duck] symbolize one who has to subsist by the wings of his virtue and merit, being unable to rest on land.


Image courtesy Wikipedia


Bruce Howe, an Anglican Bishop in Nova Scotia, has a beautiful coat of arms. The trillium design led me to his arms. His crest is also very tasteful and meaningful.


Image courtesy The Canadian Heraldic Authority


The shield is divided into a Saltire, which is in the Nova Scotia flag, where Howe grew up, and in the Bruce arms. His father did naval service, thus the anchor. The Bishop’s Mitre reflects his station within the clergy. Many arms in Canada bear the trillium. It’s the provincial flower of Ontario. The trillium flowers refer to Ontario and the Trinity, and the four leaves make a reference to the Bishop’s four daughters. The open Bible with the sword recalls Hebrews 4:12 ~ ” For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The Motto reflects one of his favorite sayings, emphasizing the importance of the message over the messenger.

I may not go in for ducks, geese, and chickens, but this otter in a wind swept ermine cape is beyond words. Otters symbolize one who lives life to the fullest, si you have to wonder what kind of life this man had. The otter is so playful anyhow, but to fly like Super Otter….


Image courtesy Wikipedia


This design belongs to Barbara Uteck, of Ontario. Her maternal family immigrated from a wheat growing area of the Ukraine. The tapisse, or field of wheat, is so tastefully done, as is the whole design. Wheat symbolizes hopes secured.


Image courtesy The Canadian Heraldic Authority


The Phrygian cap has been a symbol of freedom and the pursuit of liberty since antiquity. In the Roman Empire, former slaves wore the cap to show their freedom. During the American Revolution, Phrygian caps were mounted on Freedom Poles in Newport, Rhode Island; Concord, Massachusetts; Savannah, Georgia, New York City; and Caughnawaga, New York.


Image courtesy The Canadian Heraldic Authority


It occurs on many national coat of arms, including ~

  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Columbia
  • Cuba
  • El SalvadorHaiti
  • Nicaragua
  • Paraguay, reverse side

and the arms of the U.S. Senate ~


Image courtesy Wikipedia


During the Victorian Era, macabre symbols began to pop up, including this one, which is taken from Revelations 16:13 which states that three unclean spirits like frogs come forth to do battle.


Image courtesy Wikipedia


Someone must have been a composer, musician, or lover of music to design this coat of arms ~


Image courtesy New Gaso


Double hearts, double love, surrounded by castles which symbolize grandeur along with solidity and safety. Something similar could be designed for your wedding and posterity.


Image courtesy Wikipedia


Daniel Ling was a Canadian who is recognized as the foremost authority on teaching speech to deaf children. Small wonder he included a cochlea, or inner ear, on his coat of arms.


Image courtesy Royal Heraldry Society of Canada


For dog lovers everywhere, the Talbot’s talbot ~


Image courtesy Cheshire Heraldry


As much as I enjoy peacock feathers, I just can’t imagine some knight really trying to balance this helm with it’s feathered crest. But remembering the peacock symbolizes resurrection and immortality, as well as beauty, pride of carriage, power, and knowledge.


Image courtesy Wikipedia


This one is like a big, bold checkerboard or someone’s checkered kitchen tablecloth ~


Image courtesy Wikipedia


There’s other coat of arms and charges with eyes, but this one shows the individual eye parts ~


Image courtesy Wikipedia


Just because one should always finish with the zebras of Botswana ~


Image courtesy Wikipedia


This concludes the study of the Coat of Arms. To return to Heraldry just close the page.

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