Heraldry is the study of the coat of arms. There are literally hundreds of different symbols that can appear on coats of arms. The colors that are chosen and even the shape of the shield itself can have significance for the family or clan, that was to bear the arms.

 

The symbols can signify many meanings. Most coat of arms have a rich history, and the background of the designs might mean more then what we know the basic symbols to mean today. Be searching deeper in books, and on the internet, you can find out what you need to know.

 

Medieval Heraldry was a means of identifying a individual in the heat of battle. it originated in the 12 century in Europe. When full helmets started to be worn by lords and then knights, it made it difficult to tell who was at battle. At this point, they started to decorate them with their coats of arms, which were distinctive designs. Heralds became experts at identifying knights by their arms since that was part of the herald's job as a tourney official.

 

A Charge, is an object drawn on a shield. Animals were frequently used as the main charge. They were drawn flat but were still easily recognizable. The animals were usually fierce, and were often drawn in postures of combat. Red tongues and claws were added, even if the real animals had neither. These small details did not have to follow the metal/color rules. The lion was a main animal often drawn. Sometimes they added elements to the lion that made it look more furious, or more ornate then it really was. This was to give the shield it's own design.