Explanation of The Horn Family Coat of Arms

Most coats of arms were adopted by individuals during the Middle Ages or later. It is virtually impossible to say what meaning they invested in the arms they adopted, but some inferences can be drawn from both heraldry and geneology. As with most others, the specific origins of the Horn coat of arms have apparently been lost in antiquity, but we can come to at least some understanding of it, and of the person for whom it was first made.

The simplicity of this coat of arms indicates great age. It was probably designed some time prior to 1300 A.D., based on its design and on records compiled from heraldic and geneological sources.

The shape of the shield also lends authenticity to the very early origins of this coat of arms. The presence of the shield itself signifies "Defender," one who was called upon to defend king and home.

What first catches the viewer's attention are the repeated images of the stork. This bird, in heraldry, signifies "Filial duty, emblem of a grateful man."

The maroon color, referred to in heraldry as "Sanguine," denotes one who was "Victorious, Patient in Battle." The silver ( "Argent" in heraldry ) visible on various parts of the coat of arms indicates "Peace and sincerity."

The helm, or helmet, indicates the type of helm worn by the original owner. This helm is of a very early, simple design, giving greater credence to the great age of the coat of arms.

Based on the above information, we can tentatively conclude that the original owner of the Horn coat of arms lived in the early Middle Ages. He was probably called upon by his king or lord to leave home and hearth to defend his lands, something he did out of a sense of "filial [ brotherly ] duty." We do not know exactly for what he was "grateful," but it may have been a reward of some sort presented to him in recognition of his "patience in battle," which apparently contributed to a "victorious" outcome. The silver in the coat of arms hints that he was happier when at "peace." Today we would probably refer to him as a "citizen soldier."

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