The symbols painted on a coat of arms all 
have numerous meanings, all subjective
to those who regard them.
Often, the symbols are animals, but can also be of vegetation,
weapons of war, or jewelry, to name a few.
The significance of a coat of arms is found in the combination
of its colours, motto and symbols. The objects borne as crests
and represented on the shield of a coat of arms are key to
the significance of the emblem; but also have their own
individual meaning that is imbued by their relationship to the others.
Types of Symbols and Their Meaning Animals
A wide variety of those from the animal kingdom are pictured on family and institutional coats of arms.
They are often creatures considered to be noble or courageous, such as the lion, which represents
courage and strength. Others are not as commonly known today, such as the martlet, or footless swallow,
which is a symbol of the fourth son and thus of one who must succeed by his own merit rather than inheritance.
Another, which you may consider today as a less than noble creature, the ass, appears as a symbol of
patience and humility.
Weapons
Considering the prominence of shields on coats of arms, it is no surprise that common symbols found on
these bearings are weapons. Often, coats of arms feature axes, a symbol of the execution of a military duty.
A single arrow or dart represents readiness for battle; a bow and arrow, power and the skill of accuracy.
A dagger represents justice and military honour, as do various types and pairings of swords.
Other
There are many more symbols commonly found on coats of arms, from items of jewelry to castle towers.
Rings are a very common symbol used to represent fidelity, one of the most important characteristics to have
both in the middle ages and today. Another miscellaneous symbol is the beacon, representative of one who is
watchful and signals others in times of peril.
Discover the Meaning Behind Your Coat of Arms
All of these symbols have significance in themselves and a larger one when considered together as a full coat of arms.
Unearth the meaning behind your coat of arms’ symbols and realize the full meaning behind your family’s coat of arms,
an important heraldic emblem also representative of your family heritage.
A Coat of Arms is sometimes also called a Family Shield, Family Seal or Family Crest.
Contacting us
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