Coat of Arms Background Information Coats of Arms

Coat of Arms

Background Information Coats of Arms date to the early Middle Ages. In the early twelfth century, helmets and other armor began making it difficult to tell armed warriors apart. The solution was for each knight or soldier to paint something personal on their shield. These designs were important in battle, but they also functioned like team uniforms when knights met in tournaments. Overtime, shield emblem designs became enduring symbols of their owners, and of their owners' families.

Background Information It became quite fashionable to have a "coat of arms", so people hired artists to design them. The designs weren't just used on shields. They were applied on tunics, saddle blankets, banners and tapestries. They were duplicated in sculpture and architectural features. They were used in signs and advertisements. They were carved into coins, jewelry (e. g. signet rings) and the personalized stamps for sealing letters. Soon, Coats of Arms weren't just for soldiers! From about 1210 A. D. , some priests are known to have had them. The first women known to have had their own coat of arms got them around 1220. Around 1230 towns and cities began having coats of arms. Tradesmen and even peasants started using coats of arms around 1250. In an era when few people could read or write, coats of arms made it easier for people to recognize each other's marks. Before you design your own coat of arms, it'll be useful to look at a few traditional heraldic designs. Observe the traditional design elements. What do you think they symbolized for the people who chose to wear them? Below is a list of some elements you may want to include in your designs.

Meaning of Colors Yellow or Gold – Generosity (Metal) White or Silver - Peace & Sincerity (Metal) Black - Trustworthiness (& sometimes Grief) Blue - Loyalty & Truthfulness Red - Military Fortitude Green - Hope, Joy & sometimes Loyalty Purple - Royal Majesty, Sovereignty & Justice

Meaning of Animals Bear - Protectiveness Bee - Intensity Camel - Perseverance Dog - Loyalty Double Eagle & Eagle - Leadership & Decisiveness Dragon – Defender of Treasure Falcon or Hawk - Eagerness Fox - Cleverness Griffin (part eagle, part lion) - Bravery Horse - Readiness to Serve Lion - Courage Pelican - Generosity & Devotion Raven- Loyalty Snake - Ambition Stag, Elk or Deer - Peace & Harmony Tiger - Fierceness & Courage

Meaning of Symbols Hand - Faith, Sincerity & Justice Heart - Sincerity Flaming Heart - Passion Crown - Authority Finger Ring - Reliability Fleur-de-lys (stylized Iris flower) - Purity (associated with France) Crosses - Christian sentiments Scepter - Justice Oyster Shell - Traveler Horns & Antlers - Strength Axe - Obedient Sword - Warlike Bridge - (signifies a governor or magistrate) Tower or Castle - Strength & Protectiveness Crescent - Enlightenment Fire - Passion Lightning - Decisiveness Moon - Serenity Star - Nobility Sun - Glory

Types of Shields Bend - a diagonal stripe Chevron- an upside-down "V“ Chief - broad stripe across top of shield Fess - broad horizontal stripe through center Pale - broad vertical stripe through center Per fess (halved horizontally) Party per pale (halved vertically) Party per bend (diagonally from upper left to lower right) Party per bend sinister (diagonally from upper right to lower left) Party per saltire (diagonally both ways) Party per cross or quarterly (divided into four quarters) Party per pall (divided into three parts in a Y shape)

Make your own shield! You must use at least 2 different colors and divide your Shield using the common design features section Include at least 2 heraldic animals Include at least 2 heraldic symbols Any additional symbols you add must be explained (what the symbols represent)

Directions for Coat of Arms Must include the following: Surname Helm Mantle Shield Crest Motto

Presenting your Shield Oral Presentation Requirements: You will present your coat of arms in front of the class. The following list describes what you should include in your presentation. You may use ONE card, but you cannot write out the entire speech. Be sure to practice what you are going to say, so you are comfortable speaking in front of the class. Introduction–Prepare an attention getting opener of one or two sentences Describe family name coat of arms. What do the colors and symbols stand for? OR Describe your coat of arms. What do the colors and symbols stand for? Why did you choose the symbols that you did? Why did you choose the colors that you did? Conclusion– Have a ONE sentence closing. It should NOT be “I hoped you liked my presentation