Coats of Arms Background and Historical Information Coats

Coats of Arms Background and Historical Information Coats of Arms date back to the early medieval period. In the Twelfth Century helmets and other armour were making it hard to tell friends from enemies. To help stop this each knight and solider had to paint something personal on their shield. These designs were very important in battle. Why do you think this? They also acted like team uniforms when knights met in tournaments. Can you think of any famous designs that you know?

Originally a Coat of Arms was the image, icon or ‘herald’ of each family back in medieval times. Families would choose symbols and colours that held certain meanings for their history and reputation, and these would appear on their clothing, banners, shields, crests and other important objects.

Who Had a Coat Of Arms? Soon, coats of arms weren’t just for soldiers! Some priests were known to have some designed. Around 1230 towns and cities began to have their own coat of arms. This was a time when not many people could read or write, so having a coat of arms made it easier to recognise others.

Fashion It became fashionable to have a Coat of Arms. People hired artists to design them The designs were put on a lot of items in the homes, like tunics, saddles, blankets They were even put on rings and stamps

Colours were very important and could reveal whether you were royalty or in the military. Colour could also represent other meanings. Colour Meaning Yellow or Gold Generosity White Or Silver Peace and Sincerity Black Constancy (loyal) Blue Loyalty and truthfulness Red Warrior, Strong Green Hope and Joy Purple Royal Majesty, Justice

Symbols and their Meanings: Animals Bear Protectiveness Dog Loyal Double Eagle/Eagle Leader and Decisiveness Dragon Defender of treasure Fox Clever Lion Courage Snake Ambition Unicorn Extreme courage

Heraldic Symbols Axe Dutiful Crown Authority Fire Zeal Heart Sincere Star Noble Sun Glory Sword Warlike Castle Protectiveness

Motto You’ll notice that there is a motto for each coat of arms too. This is an important phrase/sentence for the country/family. The Royal Family’s motto is ‘Dieu et mon droit’ meaning 'God and my right'.

Australian Coat of Arms

Royal Coat of Arms for the United Kingdom

Zimbabwe Coat of Arms

Create your own Coat of Arms You could use the link below to print and create your own coat of arms, use many of the templates available online or simply draw one yourself. https: //www. mytribe 101. com/crest/