Family Crest 101: Interpreting Symbols on the Family Crest

Family crests (also known as coat of arms) are intricate designs that represent a family's heritage and values. Each element of the crest has specific significance, from colors to animals and special markings. Understanding these symbols can provide fascinating insights into your family's history and the qualities your ancestors valued most.

The History of Family Crests

Family crests originated in medieval Europe as a way to identify knights in battle when their faces were hidden behind armor. Over time, these designs evolved into complex symbolic representations of family values, achievements, and characteristics that were passed down through generations.

Colors in Family Crests (Tinctures)

Colors were typically used as the shield's background and carried deep symbolic meanings. Each color represented specific virtues or characteristics:

Primary Colors and Their Meanings

Black (Sable):

• Symbolism: Grief and constancy
• Represents: Persistence through hardship, mourning, and unwavering loyalty
• Historical Context: Often adopted by families who had experienced significant loss but remained steadfast

Blue (Azure):

• Symbolism: Loyalty and strength
• Represents: Truth, sincerity, and steadfast character
• Historical Context: One of the most noble colors in heraldry, representing faithfulness to God and sovereign

Gold (Or):

• Symbolism: Generosity
• Represents: Nobility of spirit, magnanimity, and material prosperity
• Historical Context: Reserved for the most prestigious families, indicating both spiritual and material wealth

Green (Vert):

• Symbolism: Loyalty in love and hope
• Represents: Growth, harmony with nature, and enduring affection
• Historical Context: Often chosen by families with agricultural backgrounds or deep connections to the land

Red (Gules):

• Symbolism: Martyr, warrior, strength
• Represents: Courage in battle, sacrifice for noble causes, and military prowess
• Historical Context: The color of blood spilled in service to country or faith

Silver/White (Argent):

• Symbolism: Peace and sincerity
• Represents: Purity of intention, honesty, and moral clarity
• Historical Context: Often paired with other colors to indicate noble character

Beasts in Family Crests

Animals symbolized various traits and were carefully chosen to represent family characteristics:

Fierce Protectors

Bear:

• Symbolism: Fierce protector
• Qualities: Maternal instinct, strength in defense of family, courage
• Message: Family members who would defend loved ones at any cost

Boar:

• Symbolism: Fierce fighter
• Qualities: Bravery in battle, fearlessness in the face of danger
• Message: Warriors who fought valiantly and never retreated

Lion:

• Symbolism: Fierce courage
• Qualities: Royal bearing, leadership, noble bravery
• Message: Natural leaders with the courage to face any challenge

Wolf:

• Symbolism: Perseverance
• Qualities: Loyalty to pack, intelligence in hunting, endurance
• Message: Families who worked together and never gave up on their goals

Noble Creatures

Eagle:

• Symbolism: Power and noble nature
• Qualities: Vision, authority, connection to divine power
• Message: Families with far-seeing wisdom and natural authority

Birds in Family Crests

Birds also represented specific qualities and spiritual connections:

Dove:

• Symbolism: Peace and love
• Qualities: Harmony, spiritual purity, divine grace
• Message: Families committed to peaceful resolution and loving relationships

Eagle:

• Symbolism: Action and strength
• Qualities: Leadership, keen sight, powerful action
• Message: Decisive leaders who acted with strength and wisdom

Peacock:

• Symbolism: Pride and beauty
• Qualities: Dignity, artistic appreciation, refined nature
• Message: Families who valued beauty, culture, and maintained dignified bearing

Swan:

• Symbolism: Poetry and harmony
• Qualities: Grace, artistic sensitivity, emotional depth
• Message: Families with artistic talents and appreciation for beauty

Special Marks on the Family Crest Shield

Different markings had unique meanings and told specific stories about family service:

Honor Marks

Bend:

• Symbolism: Represents a knight's scarf, signifying defense
• Story: Worn across the body in battle as a mark of honor
• Message: Family members who served with distinction in military defense

Chevron:

• Symbolism: Faithful service and protection
• Story: Represents the rafters of a house, symbolizing shelter and protection
• Message: Families who provided protection and faithful service to others

Cross:

• Symbolism: Indicates service in the Crusades
• Story: Religious devotion and willingness to fight for faith
• Message: Strong religious conviction and service to Christian causes

Saltire:

• Symbolism: Represents resolve and resolution
• Story: The diagonal cross pattern indicates firm determination
• Message: Families known for their unwavering determination and strong resolve

Interpreting Your Family Crest

Research Steps

Documentation:

• Look for historical records of your family's coat of arms
• Research the specific region where your family originated
• Understand that legitimate crests were granted by heraldic authorities

Authenticity:

• Be wary of commercial "family crest" sites that sell generic designs
• True family crests belong to specific family lines, not all families with the same surname
• Consult genealogical societies and heraldic experts for authentic information

Family Connection:

• Trace your specific family lineage to determine if you have a legitimate claim
• Understand that not all families historically had official coats of arms
• Consider creating a modern family symbol if no historical crest exists

Creating Modern Family Symbols

If your family doesn't have a historical crest, consider:

• Designing symbols that represent your family's current values
• Incorporating elements that reflect your family's achievements
• Using colors and symbols that resonate with your family's story
• Creating traditions that can be passed to future generations

Preserving Family Heraldic Heritage

Documentation:

• Record the meanings behind your family's symbols
• Share the stories with younger family members
• Include heraldic information in family history research
• Create visual displays for family gatherings

Education:

• Teach children about the symbolism and its meaning
• Explain the historical context of your family's crest
• Connect the symbols to current family values
• Use the crest as a conversation starter about family heritage

The Living Heritage

Family crests are more than historical artifacts—they're windows into the values, aspirations, and achievements of your ancestors. Whether your family has an authentic historical coat of arms or you're inspired to create modern family symbols, understanding heraldic symbolism helps connect past and present.

The courage of the lion, the loyalty of the wolf, and the peace of the dove aren't just ancient symbols—they're qualities that can inspire and guide your family today. Use your understanding of these symbols to appreciate your heritage and perhaps to define the values you want to pass on to future generations.