Armorial Bearings of Jude Antonio K. Grupe
Knight of Rizal,  Commander, Ordre Imperial du Dragon de l' Annam
Letters Patent 710021. Bochum, Deutschland
Persevant silbernen Seeloewen & Officer of Arms
Heraldische Gemeinschaft Westfalen e.V.
Heraldry is an old visual language, that was originally used to identify warriors. These identification were first painted on shields and symbols for knights and nobility. Later the heraldic achievements become a common sign to distinguish one family from all other, it serves as a visible reminder of a relationship between past, present and future generations they symbolizes noble or civic pride and heritage as well.
Traditionaly Heraldry originated in the decoration of  shield and surcoat in order that heavily armoured knights should be identified more easily in a battle.

But it's origin is clear that throughout the ancient world symbols were used to represent authority and affilliation as they are today. In such well ordered societies the need for easily reconizable symbols of corporate and military authority is readily apparent, but it is in the pages of old testament that first mention of hereditary devices associated with individual and their extended families.


             "Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of [his] father's house.... And the children of Israel.... pitched by their standards and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers".
                   
                                                                 ( The book of Numbers, 2 v.2 and 34 )
Links:
Heraldische Gemeinschaft Westfalen
To Philippine Heraldry & Nobility
The Association of Amateur Heralds
Armoria by :Mike Oettle
Martin Sunnqvist laws of Arms
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