A Brief History of Heraldry

Heraldry has been defined as the art of blazoning, assigning, and marshalling a coat of arms. Its origins are uncertain, but Sir Bernard Burke, Ulster King of Arms, has drawn his own conclusion: “The registry of its birth may be found among the archives of the Holy Wars, ...its cradle was rocked by the soldiers of the Cross, and... its maturity was attained in the chivalrous age of Feudalism.”

Between 1135 and 1155 A.D., seals show the general adoption of heraldic devices in Europe. Historians once theorized that a coat of arms enabled a knight to be recognized by his followers during battle. The coat of arms became hereditary just as a knight inherited the right to lead or the duty to follow another leader in battle.

Later historians dispute this theory based on the small numbers of knights who had any followers. "The service due from a military tenant in the feudal system was well-defined. He held his land by service of two knights, one knight, or half a knight,.... A single knight, let alone a fraction of a knight, had no band of followers, so he had no need to identify himself to them." [Source: The Oxford Guide to Heraldry by Thomas Woodcock and John Martin Robinson (Oxford University Press, 1988)] Woodcock and Robinson suggest that it was much more likely that the depiction of arms on a shield was a form of "individual vanity" rather than a practical military device.

One historian (Beryl Platts, author of Origins of Heraldry) notes that "family identification" was practiced in northern Europe even before the Norman Conquest, and she believes that all heraldry in England is the derivation of the heraldic devices brought by the families who accompanied William the Conqueror.

The oldest documented example of a coat of arms borne on a shield is where King Henry I of England is said to have bestowed on his son-in-law, Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, in 1127 A.D.: the azure shield bore four gold lions rampant. [Source: The Oxford Guide to Heraldry by Thomas Woodcock and John Martin Robinson.]

Regardless of their origins, coats of arms became military status symbols, and their popularity increased along with the popularity of the tournament, which was developed in the mid-eleventh century in France (reportedly by Godfrey de Preuilly). The tournament became a training ground for knights, and its pageantry became more elaborate as time passed. Some knights made their living (and their reputations) roaming from tournament to tournament. William the Marshal and Roger de Gaugi were two such enterprising men, not only excelling at tournaments but extorting ransoms from the families of knights they captured.

By 1400 A.D., bearing a coat of arms had become a prerequisite to participation in a tournament, and due to the importance of social standing in such pageants, a coat of arms also became a mark of noble status. In the early days, most coats of arms were assumed by the bearers and not "granted" by any authority. King Richard I changed his coat of arms from two lions combatant (or a lion rampant) to three gold leopards (or lions passant guardant).

The earliest coats of arms were fairly simple -- bars or wavy lines, a lion rampant or an eagle displayed, or an arrangement of fleurs-de-lis. The designs became more complex as the years passed, and the practice of quartering (incorporating the arms of other families acquired through marriages) developed.

The word “Heraldry” is derived from the German “heer” -- a host, an army -- and “held” -- a champion. The term “blason,” by which the science of heraldry is denoted in French, English, Italian, and German, is probably derived from the German word “blazen” -- to blow the horn. Whenever a new Knight appeared at a Tournament, the herald sounded the trumpet, and as the competitors attended with closed visors, it was his duty to explain the bearing of the shield or coat-armour belonging to each. This knowledge of the various devices and symbols was called Heraldry, and as the announcement was accompanied with the sound of a trumpet, it was termed “blazoning the arms.” Source: Burke, Bernard, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales (Heritage Books, Inc., 1996).

Excuse Me, But There's No Such Thing As A Family CrestThe Term "Family Crest" -- A Problem of Semantics?

Confusion over the term "family crest" probably arose from an understandable abbreviation of the terminology in heraldry for an important part of a coat of arms. One of the most respected sources for heraldry information is Fairbairn's Book of Crests of the Families of Great Britain and Ireland, first published in 1859 and revised over the years in various reprints. (The current version is published by the Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland.) It is not difficult to see how the use of the term "crest" could have become synonymous in common use with the term "coat of arms," since one is a part of the other. Through time, "the crest" has been associated with family names, independent of the coat of arms, in such publications as Fairbairn's.

Gaelic tradition allows family members to use of the "crest" part of an entire coat of arms (that which appears above the shield) in a badge setting (a circular belt), thus all members of a given clan are entitled to use the clan badge. Indeed, the crest part of a coat of arms has been used on engravings, rings, bookplates, and other means of displaying one's heritage for many years. Perhaps this is due to their relative simplicity in relation to the full coat of arms. However, authorities claim that they were never intended to be used alone, without the remainder of the official coat of arms.

A previous editor of that esteemed "Fairbairn" book described the "crest" as "that part of the complete achievement which is placed upon and surmounts the coronet, wreath, or chapeau, which in its turn is above the mantling or lambrequin which it is supposed to attach to the helmet."

Coats of Arms and Crests Belong to Individuals, Not Surnames

Coats of arms are not awarded to a family or a name, but to an individual. This is why there is no coat of arms or family crest for the family name "Hardin" -- only a coat of arms and crest granted to someone with that name many years ago. This is why there is often more than one coat of arms associated with a given surname. In England, direct descent is required for any heir to have the legal right to bear his ancestor's coat of arms.

You can try to narrow the search by geographic region of origin, but there may also be more than one coat of arms awarded to several people in ancient Germany. Further complicating the issue is that the authoritative source information for most coats of arms only lists a city and/or county or origin, and sometimes only a country.That is why, unless you can trace your family history to one individual, and unless the sources list that individual, then the best that you can hope for is to find a coat of arms that is the oldest for a given name from a given region or the one most frequently used. Coats of arms usually started out fairly simple in design, then subsequent generations added onto or made slight variations to the design to make it their own.

Marriages often resulted in a combination of two different family lines' coats of arms.

You can also try contacting the College of Arms for the country you believe your ancestor is from, and for a fee they will search their records to see if a coat of arms was awarded to your ancestor.

The bearing of coats of arms is not regulated in most countries, including the United States, thus there has been a proliferation of "family name" companies offering histories and coats of arms for a given surname. While there is no reason we cannot enjoy the decoration of a coat of arms associated with someone centuries ago who shared our surname, we should be aware that this is all that it is -- a decoration.

There is also no reason we cannot create a coat of arms and crest for ourselves, whether based on the coat of arms of an ancestor who shared our name (and may or may not be related to us), or designed from scratch to mean something special to our own lives and family.

Please note that the following descriptions and meanings are gleaned from a variety of sources, some of which disagree on those meanings. The most commonly accepted

meanings are given, but scholars vary in the their opinions concerning the reliability of any "commonly held" historic meanings for coats of arms and crests.

Even the colors can have special meaning in a "family crest" or coat of arms:

Gold (Or) Generosity and elevation of the mindSilver or White (Argent)

Peace and sincerity

Red (Gules) Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimityBlue (Azure) Truth and loyaltyGreen (Vert) Hope, joy, and loyalty in loveBlack (Sable) Constancy or griefPurple (Purpure) Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justiceOrange (Tawny or Tenne)

Worthy ambition

Maroon (Sanguine or Murray)

Patient in battle, and yet victorious

The following are some of the more common heraldic symbols and their meanings as suggested by some historians:

Acacia Branch or Leaves Eternal and affectionate remembranceAcorn Antiquity and strength.Agricultural Tools Labouring in the earth and depending upon providence; see also

Scythe and SickleAnchor Hope; religious steadfastnessAngel Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful newsAnnulet

(finger ring)

Fidelity

Ant Great labour, wisdom, and providence in one's affairsAntelope (heraldic) A mythical animal with the body of a stag, the tail of a unicorn,

a tusk at the tip of the nose, tufts down the back of the neck, chest, and thighs (usually represented with two straight horns serrated on one side)

Antlers Strength and fortitudeAnvil Honour; emblem of the smith's tradeApple Liberality, felicity, and peaceArm in Armour A person with qualities of leadershipArm, Naked An industrious personArrow Readiness (for battle); if depicted with a cross, represents an

afflictionAss Patience and humilityAxe Execution of military dutyBaguette (gem ring) FidelityBanners Refer to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward

for valiant service

Bar, Barry, or Barrulet "One who sets the bar of conscience, religion, and honour against angry passions and evil temptations" acc. to Guillim

Barry Wavy Troubles keep us in continuous exercise and reminders of providence (as waves in a storm at sea)

Baton Token of authorityBattle Axe Execution of military dutyBay Leaves Poet or victor's laurelBeacon One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of dangerBear Strength, cunning, ferosity in the protection of one's kindredBeaver Industry and perseveranceBee Efficient industryBells Power to disperse evil spirits; a hawk's bells denotes one who

was not afraid of signalling his approach in peace or war

Bend

Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or protection

Berries Liberality, felicity, and peaceBillet/Billettee Bricks or letters (correspondence); one who obtained credence,

knowledge, and faith in his words and deeds; one who is secret in one's affairs

Bishop's Mitre AuthorityBlasted Tree without leaves, witheredBoar Bravery; fights to the deathBoar's Head HospitalityBonacan Bull with horse's tail and short maneBomb (Mortar piece) One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battleBones (crossed thighbones) MortalityBook If open, manifestation; if closed, counselBorder Difference between relatives bearing the same arms; also an

augmentation of an honourBourdon See pilgrim's or palmer's staff -- knob at upper end, point at

bottom, hook near topBow Readiness (for battle)Bow and Arrow War, power, ability to hit a targetBraced InterlacedBracket May be single or double; right angle-shaped support, as in a

shelf supportBridge Governor or magistrateBroom Plant HumilityBuck One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmonyBuckle Victorious fidelity in authorityBuglass (purple quatrefoil) Hope and joy.Bull/Buffalo Valour, bravery, generosityBull's Horns Strength and fortitudeButterfly Psyche or Soul

Caduceus Homeopathic medicine; medical profession; balance and the union of opposing forces

Camel Docility, patience, and perseveranceCannon and Cannon Balls One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battleCandle (Lamp) Light, life, and spiritualityCanton As in a flag borne at the top corner of the shield; reward from

the sovereign for performance of eminent serviceCap of Maintenance Granted to British peers and Scottish feudal barons (see

"Chapeau")

Carnation AdmirationCarpenter's Square Conforming one's actions to the laws of right and equityCastle (Tower/Chateau) SafetyCat Liberty, vigilance, forecast, and courageCentaur Eminence in the field of battleChains Reward for acceptable and weighty service; with crowns and

collars, this suggests the bearer bore the chain of obligation or obliged others because of services done

Chapeau Granted to British peers and Scottish feudal barons (see also "cap of maintenance")

Chaplet (Floral) Usually with green leaves and four roses: the crown of joy and admiration

Cherub Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news

Chevron

Protection; Builders or others who have accomplished some work of faithful service

Chief Top one-third of the shield; signifies dominion and authority; often granted as a special reward for prudence and wisdom or successful command in war

Chough (Cornish Crow) Strategist in battle; watchful for friends

Cinquefoils

Hope and joy

Civic Wreath (of oak leaves and acorns)

One who saved a fellow citizen's life or shown patriotism in defense of one's native land

Clarion Ready for warClaw of a Bird Note the preyer that has been preyed uponClouds Mystery, obscured truthRooster Courage and perseverance; hero; able man in politicsCockatrice Terror to all beholders

(small serpent) Column Fortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom

with fortitudeComet UnknownCornish Chough (crow, raven)

Strategist in battle; watchful for friends; divine providence

Cornucopia (horn of plenty)

The bounty of nature's gifts

Cottice/Cotice (bendlet) Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or protection

Coupeaux (Hills - usually three) Unknown; may be purely an artistic deviceCrane (Stork) Close parental bond; Vigilance if holding a rock

Crescent

One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (horns to the chief)

Cresset (Beacon) One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of dangerCrosier/shepherd's crook The shepherd's watchfulness; Christian faith; pastoral authority;

also Episcopal jurisdiction and authorityCross Faith; service in the CrusadesCross (Celtic) Unity of heaven and earthCross (Constantine's;

Labarum)

Good omen; Christianity

Cross Crosslet (crossed at each end) Signifies the fourfold mystery of the cross

Cross Fitchee

(cross pointed at base) A combination of cross and sword; unshakeable faith

Cross Flory

(Patoncee)

(cross flowered at each end) One who has conquered

Cross Formee (Pattee) Military honour

Cross (Maltese) (cross with eight points) Blessings; badge of Knights Hospitalier

Cross Moline

The mutual converse of human society (said to represent a millstone)

Cross Raguly

Difficulties encountered

Crossed thighbones MortalityCrow (Cornish Chough) Strategist in battle; watchful for friends; divine providenceCrown Royal or seigniorial authorityCrown (Mural) Defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first

mounted the breach in the walls of a fortressCrown (Naval) One who first boarded an enemy's ship; distinguished naval

commanderCrown of thorns AdversityCup (covered) Office of the king's butlerCushions AuthorityCygnet (young swan) Where gorged with a crown around its neck, signifies dignityCypress Death and eternal life thereafterDagger or dart Justice and military honourDawle (black quatrefoil) Hope and joyDecrescent One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater

glory (crescent with horns to the sinister)Deer One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmonyDice ConstancyDog Courage, vigilance, and loyaltyDolphin Swiftness, diligence, salvation, charity, and loveDragon Valiant defender of treasure; valour and protectionDrops (Guttees) One who has endured torrents of liquids, as in battle, depending

upon the color of the liquid.Yellow: goldBlue: tearsGreen: oilWhite: waterBlack: pitch or tarRed: blood

Drum Ready for war

Dove Loving constancy and peace; the Holy Spirit; with an olive branch in its bill, it signifies a harbinger of good tidings

Duck Person of many resourcesEagle Person of noble nature, strength, bravery, and alertness; or one

who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious; "True magnanimity and strength of mind" acc. to Guillim.If wings "displayed," it signifies protection

Eagle with two heads Conjoining of two forcesElephant Great strength, wit, longevity, happiness, royalty, good luck, and

ambitionEnfield Mythical beast said to have protected fallen chieftains' bodies for

proper burialEscallop (scallop shell) Traveller to far places or victorious naval commander

Escarbuncle

Supremacy; brilliant gem

Escutcheon of Pretence (Small shield in center of primary shield.) Claim of a prince to sovereignty; or marriage to an heiress of the family

Estoile (star with six wavy

points)

Celestial goodness; noble person

Eye Providence in governmentFalcon (Hawk) One who does not rest until objective achievedFeathers (usually ostrich feathers) Sign of obedience and serenityFer de moline(millrind)

Center of the millstone, by which it is turned

Fess/Fesse

Military belt or girdle of honour; represents readiness to serve the public

Fetterlock Victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of warFife Ready for warFinger, pointing Direction; correct routeFire ZealousnessFish A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his

heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishmentFlag Refer to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward

for valiant serviceFlanchi/flasque/flanches Given by a king for virtue and learningFleece (lamb's) Ancient honour from the knightly order of the Fleece of Gold

Fleur-de-lis

Purity; light; floral badge of France; represents sixth son as mark of difference

Flint stone Readiness for zealous serviceFlowers Hope and joyFountain Usually a roundle, crossed with wavy bars of blue and white;

represents water, a springFox One who will use all that he/she may possess of wisdom and wit

in his/her own defenseFraises Strawberries; usually refers to the cinquefoilFret(saltire through

a mascle)

(Also, fretty or latticework)Persuasion

Fruit Felicity and peaceFusil

(narrow lozenge)

Travel and labour

Fusil of Yarn (yarn with the spindle)

Negotiation

Galley See ShipGannet (duck without beak or legs)

One who has to subsist by virtue and merit

Garb (wheatsheaf) The harvest of one's hopes has been securedGauntlet Armed for the performance of martial enterpriseGillyflower (tawney quatrefoil)

Hope and joy

Goat One who wins through politics rather than warGoose ResourcefulnessGorged (around neck) High dignityGrapes Liberality, felicity, and peace; also, association with wine-

makingGrasshopper Noble and home-bredGrenade One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battleGreyhound Courage, vigilance, and loyalty

Griffin

(Head, wings, and talons of an eagle with the body of a lion); Valour and death-defying bravery; vigilance

Gyronny Unity (six- or eight-part division of the shield)Hammer Honour; emblem of the smith's trade

Hand Pledge of faith, sincerity, and justice;two right hands conjoined represent union and alliance

Hand, red Mark of a baronetHare One who enjoys a peaceable and retired lifeHarp Well-composed person of tempered judgment; contemplation;

mystical bridge between heaven and earthHarpy(virgin's face, neck and breast with the body of a

lion)

Ferosity under provocation

Hart (male deer) Peace and harmonyHawk (Falcon) One who does not rest until objective achievedHawks' lures: One who is fond of the highest pursuits, such as hunting and

falconryHead (Human) Honour; if the head of a "blackamoor" or Moor, refers to deeds

of prowess in the CrusadesHeart, Flaming Intense, burning affectionHeart, Human Charity and sincerityHedgehog "Provident provider" acc. to Sloane EvansHelmet When depicted on the shield, denotes wisdom and security in

defense; strength, protection, invulnerabilityHind (female deer) Peace and harmonyHolly TruthHorns Strength and fortitudeHorse Readiness for all employments for king and countryHorseshoe Good luck and safeguard against evil spiritsHourglass Flight of time; mortalityHuitfoil(double quatrefoil)

Mark of cadency for the ninth son

Human Head Honour (if the head of a Blackamoor, it refers to deeds of prowess in the Crusades)

Hunting Horn One who is fond of the chase, of high pursuitsHydra (dragon with seven heads)

Conquest of a very powerful enemy

Increscent/Increment One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (crescent with horns to the dexter)

Inescutcheon See "Escutcheon of Pretence"Ivy Leaves Strong and lasting friendshipInkhorn Art of writing and educated employment

Jessamine (white quatrefoil)

Hope and joy

Jessant de lis With a fleur-de-lis shooting out, i.e., from the mouth of a leopard or lion; Represents dominion over France.

Keys Guardianship and dominionKnight (especially on horseback)

The soul guiding the body; man's journey through life

Labarum (Constantine's Cross)

Good omen; Christianity

Ladder (Scaling Ladder) One who was fearless in attacking; if against a tower, be on guard against spiritual and corporeal enemies

Lamb Gentleness and patience under sufferingLamb carrying staff or banner with a cross(paschal lamb)

Faith; innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spirit

Lamp (candle) Light, life, and spiritualityLance The perfection of martial affairs; emblem of knightly service;

devotion to honourLaurel Leaves Peace and/or triumphLeg Strength, stability, and expeditionLeopard Valiant and hardy warrior who enterprises hazardous things by

force and courageLeopard's head swallowing a fleur-de-lis (jessant)

Represents the lion of England swallowing the lily of France

Letter (i.e., A, B, C) May represent great battles or tournaments beginning with that letter

Level Equity and upright action; virtuous personLightning Bolt Swiftness and powerLily Purity; see "Fleur-de-lis"Lion Dauntless courageLion, heraldic Bravery, strength, ferosity, and valour

Lozenge

Constancy

Lure (hawk's) One who is fond of the highest pursuits, such as hunting and falconry

Lymphad See ShipLyre Contemplation; tempered judgmentMan Various meaningsMarigold Devotion and pietyMartlet(footless swallow)

Symbol of the fourth son (mark of difference); may signify one who has to subsist by virtue and merit, not inheritance

Mascle Persuasive

(hollowed out lozenge)

Mastiff Courage, vigilance, and loyaltyMatches (Usually in a roll and fired) Possible reference ot one who has

dared the terror of such a weapon in battleMaunch (lady's sleeve) "For my lady's sake"Mermaid EloquenceMillpick Miller's toolMillrind

(or millstone)

The mutual converse of human society; miller's tool

Mitre (Bishop's) AuthorityMole UnknownMonkey UnknownMoon Serene power over mundane actionsMoor/Saracen Dates back to the Middle Ages when it was considered an honor

to take a Moor's headMortar Piece One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battleMount (Rounded terrace at base of the shield) Unknown; may be purely

an artistic deviceMulberries Liberality, felicity, and peaceMule Often borne by abbots and abbesses who have pastoral

jurisdiction, but not real jurisdictionMullet(five-pointed star)

Divine quality from above; mark of third son

Musical Pipes Festivity and rejoicingOak Tree, Leaves, Bush Great age and strengthOak Tree/Bush with Acorns

Continuous growth and fertility

Olive Branch or Leaves Peace and concordanceOrle Circle of something; Preservation or protectionOstrich Willing obedience and serenityOtter One who lives life to the fullestOwl One who is vigilant and of acute witOx Valour and generosity

Pale/Palet

Military strength

Palm Branch Victory, justice, and royal honourPalm Tree Righteousness and resurrection; victoryPanther Fierce, but tender and loving to children and will defend her

children with her lifeParchment/Scroll/Diploma Possible reference to academic or sholarly achievementParrot UnknownPaschal Lamb Faith, innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spiritPassion Nails Token of poignant suffering undergone by the bearerPavilion Readiness for battlePeacock Beauty, power, and knowledgePears Felicity and peacePegasus Poetic genius and inspiration; messenger of GodPelican Self-sacrifice and charitable nature; When feeding her young

("in her piety"), symbolizes the duties of a parent or parental love

Pen Art of writing and educated employmentPennon or Flag Refers to some special action in which it was captured or as a

reward for gallant servicePeriwinkle (blue quatrefoil)

Hope and joy

Pheasant Person of many resourcesPheon

(Spear-head)

Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battle

Phoenix

Symbol of resurrection

Pig Fertility

Pile

Represents large pieces of wood used in building bridges; engineering skills, builder; May represent a pennon or flag

Pilgrim's Stave/Palmer's Stave

The shepherd's watchfulness; Christian faith; pastoral authority; also may refer to early pilgrimages to Jerusalem

Pillar Fortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom with fortitude

Pincers Honour; emblem of the smith's tradePine Death and eternal life thereafterPine Cone Life

Pipes (music) Festivity and rejoicingPlume of feathers Sign of willing obedience and serenity of mindPlummet Equity and upright action; virtuous personPomegranate Fruit Fertility and abundancePoppy (sanguine quatrefoil)

Hope and joy

Portcullis (castle gate) Protection in an emergency

Proboscides

Elephant trunks; usually represented in pairs; the elephant symbolizes longevity, strength, royalty, dignity, patience, wisdom, happiness, and good luck

Quatrefoil (Primrose) Brings good tidings

Rabbit (Conie) One who enjoys a peaceable and retired lifeRainbow Good times after badRam AuthorityRat UnknownRatch-hound (small hound) Loyalty, courage, and vigilanceRaven Divine providenceRhinoceros Ferocious when arousedRock Safety and protection; refuge

Rose

Mark of the seventh son

Rose, Red Grace and beautyRose, White Love and faith

Roundles

Gold or yellow: bezants or byzantine coins (worthy of trust or treasure)White: plate (generosity)Green: pomme (apple)Purple: golpe (wounded)Blue: hurt or wortleberryBlack: pellet, ogress, or gunstone (cannon ball)Red: torteau (communion wafer or manchet cake)Tawney: orange (tennis ball)

Saddle Preparedness for active serviceSalamander Protection

Saltire

(St. Andrew's Cross) Resolution

Savage/Saracen Believed to be related to service in the CrusadesScallop Shell See "Escallop"Sceptre The emblem of justiceScythe or Sickle The hope of a fruitful harvestSea horse Power of the waterSeal/Sea lion Dauntless courage at seaSeraphim (angel with three pairs of wings) Dignity, glory, and honour;

missionary; bearer of joyful newsSerpent/Snake/Lizard Wisdom

Shacklebolt Victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of warShamrock Perpetuity; floral device of Ireland; also see Trefoil.Shield When borne on the arms, represents the defenderShip Ancient sea voyagesShip, Dismasted Disaster at seaSkull MortalitySnail Deliberation and perseveranceSnake Wisdom (see also Serpent)Spear/Pike Honourable warrior; valiant knightSpear-heads (Pheons) Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battleSphere Geographical or scientific referenceSphinx Omniscience and secrecySpider Wisdom, labour, and prudenceSpur Preparedness for active service; pressing onwardSquare Symbols ConstancySquirrel Lover of the woodsStag One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmonyStag's Antlers Strength and fortitudeStar (estoile) Celestial goodness; noble personSteel Readiness for zealous serviceStirrup Preparedness for active serviceStool HospitalityStork Filial duty; close parental bond; If holding a rock, symbolizes

vigilanceSun Glory and splendour; fountain of lifeSwallow One who is prompt and ready in doing business; also bringer of

good news

Swan

Poetic harmony and learning, or lover thereof; light, love, grace, sincerity, perfection

Sword/Dagger/Dart Justice and military honourTable HospitalityTabor Festivity and rejoicing; dangerous if arousedTalbot (hunting dog) Courage, vigilance, and loyaltyTent Readiness for battleTiger Fierceness and valour; resentment; dangerous if arousedTorch Life; zealousness; engaging in signal service; truth and

intelligenceTortoise Invulnerability to attackTower Safety and grandeurTree Trunk New life sprouting from the oldTree Life and the mystical connection of the earth with heaven and

the underworldTrefoil or Shamrock(three-leaved grass)

Perpetuity

Tressure Preservation or protection (prominent in the arms of Scotland)Tressure Flory Counterflory

Signifies the close and longterm alliance between France and Scotland

Trestle HospitalityTrident Maritime dominionTrumpet Ready for warUnicorn Extreme courage; virtue and strengthVine Strong and lasting friendshipWater Bouget One who carried water to an army or a besieged place

Wheat-Ears FaithfulWheat Garb or Sheaf The harvest of one's hopes has been secured

Wheel Fortune; cycle of lifeWings Swiftness and protectionWolf Reward from perseverance in long sieges and/or hard industryWoodbine Leaves Love that does not injure that which it clings toWoman Various meaningsWreath of laurel leaves and berries

Triumph

Wyvern(Dragon with only two legs

Valour and protection

and armed tail) Yew Death and eternal life thereafter