Heraldry began in the early Middle Ages of Europe to help the knights and foot soldiers identify each other during a battle. Since all of the knights wore shiny(sometimes) metal armour covering their whole body, they had trouble identifying their allies during a battle. Thus, the noble and knightly families designed patterns and symbols to paint on their shields that would represent their family. These shields were called coats of arms, and any family of noble rank could have one. Peasants of the middle class could earn their own coat of arms by performing a great deed or earning the favors of a nobleman. Many peasants had their own coat of arms that were not recognized by the College. The College was where all the heralds learned their heraldric skills and where all the official records were kept. Families had to be recognized by the College for their coat of arms to be official. Heralds went to school at a very young age and were taught to read and to write. They had to memorize all of the coats of arms that were in existence, and they were used at battles to help determine where the positions of the enemy and allied knights were on the battlefield. Heralds had their own language for describing the shields, called Blazon. All coats of arms were described in this language; it was an abbreviated way to describe what could be a very complicated coat of arms.
Colors and Their Meanings:

A:  Blazon  English - Symbolism..
B:  Metals - Gold generosity and elevation of mind
C:  Argent -. Silver peace and sincerity
D:  Gules -  Red warrior, brave and strong but generous and just; the martyr's color
E:  Azure -  Blue truth and loyalty
F:  Vert - Green hope, joy and love
G:  Sable  - Black constancy or grief
Anchor - represents hope
Arrow - symbolizes readiness(for battle)
Battle Axe - symbol of the execution of military duty
Bear - strength, cunning, and protection toward one's own
kin
Boar - bravery; one who fights to the death
Boar's head - hospitality
Bow - same as arrow, usually go together
Bull - valor, bravery, generosity; horns represent strength
and fortitude
Camel - patience and perseverance
Castle - safety
Cock - courage and perseverance; badge of a hero
Cypress - death and eternal life thereafter
Dolphin - swiftness, diligence, and love(dolphin depicted
having scales)
Dragon - valor and protection
Eagle - person of deeds and of noble nature, strength,
bravery and alertness - wings symbolize protection
Scallop Shell - traveller to far places; victorious naval
commander
Goat - one who wins through politics
Goose - resourcefulness
Griffin - valor and bravery
Hand - sincerity, faith, and judgement
Harp - composed person of tempered judgement; contemplation		 Hawk - one who does not rest until he achieves his objective
Heart, Flaming - intense, burning affection
Heart, Human - clarity and sincerity
Hind(female deer) - peace and harmony
Holly - truth
Horse - readiness for all events
Horseshoe - good luck and safeguard against evil spirits
Laurel - peace and/or triumph
Lightning Bolt - swiftness and power
Lion - dauntless courage
Mermaid - eloquence
Oak Tree - great age and strength; w/ acorns: continuous
growth and fertility
Ostrich - willing obedience and serenity
Otter - individual who lives life to fullest
Peacock - beauty, power and knowledge
Pelican - (shown piercing her breast to feed her young)
self-sacrifice, person of charitable nature
Portcullis - protection in an emergency
Rainbow - good times after bad
Ram - leader, represents authority
Raven - divine providence
Rock - symbol of safety and protection; a refuge
Rose, red - grace and beauty
Rose, white - faith and love
Serpent/snake - wisdom
Spear - honorable warrior, valiant knight
Spur - preparedness, readiness for battle		 Stag - one who will not fight unless severely provoked;
peace and harmony; antlers represent strength and fortitude
Sun - (in splendor) glory and splender; fountain of life
Swan - poetic harmony and learning
Sword - justice and honor
Tree trunk - (sprouting) new life sprouting from old
Unicorn - extreme courage
Vine tree - strong and lasting friendship
Wheel - fortune
Wings - swiftness and protection
Wolf - reward from perseverance and hard industry
Wyvern - valor and protection
Below is a picture chart of shield heraldry designs. Please be patient while it loads.
A site that has the most indepth information on Heraldry and Coats of Arms can be found at Designs of Wonders Homepage.
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