During the early decades of the 12th Century, between the 1st and 2nd Crusades, nobles, knights, and princes began to identify themselves, their equipment, and especially their shields by using simple figures and symbols in clear contrasting colors. This is what is normally considered to be the origin of what is known as heraldry.
In the culture and action of medieval times, symbolism was a vital force and knights naturally chose symbols as a means of identification. These symbols were chosen by the knights to commemorate an event in his life or even some outstanding quality. One group of symbols were developed during the crusades and knightly feats in tournaments brought about the introduction of others.
During this period, heraldic symbols were also used in the course of everyday life. Heraldry was used to confirm the authenticity of various documents because most people of this time did not know how to write. A seal with a person�s heraldic design was commonly used as a signature.
The man himself was the central part of the picture during this age when heraldry derived its roots. At the tournament, he carried his distinctively painted shield and wore his helmet, perhaps with its crest and his surcoat (coat-of-arms) marked with personal devices. The colors, shapes, and decorative designs were necessary to distinguish and identify contestants, particularly in these tournaments where there was great show and pageantry.
Also on the battlefield, where his helmet visor was closed and other identifying marks were obscured by armor, was the simple design needed to recognize the warrior at a glance from a distance. Initially it appeared on the shield and lance-pennon, and later on his surcoat. Frequently, even the horse also had a design on his saddle cloth.
Early knights and lords were part of hierarchy which served the king. They provided their sovereign with a private army in time of war. Each army fought as a unit under their respective knight�s flag. By means of heraldry, the leaders of each unit could easily be distinguished in battle.
However, long before the 12th Century, in Europe and elsewhere warriors from all cultures would often decorate themselves and their shields and display banners for identification. These early arms were adopted and displayed at will by the individual and could be altered or discarded entirely at his discretion. This was done without any formal system of rules or guidelines. Heraldry derives its names from the heralds. At first they worked free-lance and were employed for special events. Eventually, they took on permanent responsibilities in service with princes and kings. As the representatives of nobility, they enjoyed great honor. It was a crime to interfere with their work. Occasionally, they traveled to record pedigrees and local arms, a function which was known as �visitation�.
The herald of the Middle Ages also was a messenger between rulers, neutral ambassador and one who counted the dead in battles. Gradually, additional responsibilities were added such as organizing tournaments and ceremonies. Their expertise in warrior identification enabled them to eventually take responsibility for developing rules and laws which introduced structure where before there was chaos.
In England, Richard III founded the College of Arms which was also known as the Heralds College in 1484. The College of Arms had the responsibility of determining who is entitled to wear arms and also decides what will comprise the coat-of-arms.
An important aspect of heraldic designs was the fact that they could be inherited by male heirs. This system still exists today and new arms are being issued and the designs still may be inherited.
There are three types of heralds today: King of Arms, Heralds, and Pursuivants (apprentices). Collectively, they are called officers of arms. Heralds wear a distinctive coat called a tabard which bear their master�s arms upon them so that all might recognize them as a herald.
The Sovereign of Arms' Tabard
The Orders� Coat of Arms
The Herald�s personal
Coat of Arms
The Official Permanent
Arms of the office of Arms
A complete achievement or coat-of-arms consists of a variety of components, the shield or escutcheon being the principal and essential element. Other components include the helmet, crest, wreath, motto, and mantling. Additional parts such as supporters, compartments, badge, or coronet may be added by reason of rank and honor. Figure 1 is a pictorial representation of a coat-of-arms, broken down into its various parts.
The Achievement
The displaying of the entire arms is called the achievement. This includes the shield, helmet, the wreath, the mantling, the crest, and motto.
Peers, (Knight Banneret, Guild Masters and above) are entitled to have supporters on each side of their shield and a compartment.
The surface of the field is called a shield, and upon it are drawn the charges, ordinaries, and subordinaries. They incorporate the primary symbolism recognizing marriage allegiances, significant accomplishments, and status within a family. The heraldic tinctures consist of colors (red, blue, green, purple, and black), metals (gold and silver), and fur (ermine and vair). Another variation in design may be accomplished by differently shaped parting lines which may divide the field into 2, 3, or 4 parts.
The act of describing an achievement in words is called Blazoning. The blazon describes the arms in such a way that a painter can visualize it. This heraldic system is straightforward and easy to understand. A local library can provide further resources on the history and design of heraldry.
Today, those who possess arms enjoy only the right to display them and there are no other rights or privileges associated with one who is armigerous. Being a part of heraldic tradition gives a armiger a new sense of identity. Even now one may petition for a grant of arms if proof of descent and proper qualifications are submitted. The College of Arms in England, Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland, and Office of the Chief Herald in Ireland are three offices now controlling heraldry and the granting of arms in the British Isles.
Aside from the British Isles, heraldry is also alive in other countries such as Spain, which still has an operative court of chivalry, and Switzerland, which is extremely heraldry conscious. However, during the past decade there has been a renewed interest in heraldry, which is sweeping the entire world. Many books on this subject are available and traveling exhibits are displaying heraldic art in major cities and heraldic societies are springing up and thriving worldwide.
The Badge of Order
