Family Crests

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MY COAT OF ARMS (BRAINSTORM)   1. A symbol
representing that which you would die
for.   2. What important long-range goal do you
have?   3. Design a symbol representing your
greatest accomplishment or a talent you are
proud of in your life.   4. What animal would you
choose for your mascot? Pick one that
represents a character trait that you have or
would like to have. (The eagle symbolizes
independence and fearlessness.) If you prefer a
plant you may use a plant instead.   5. For your
ribbonwhat proverb or popular saying expresses
your philosophy of life? Express it in few
words.   6. Something your family loves to do
together.   7. Birth Order where do you fit in
the family?
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Exploring Heraldry / Family Coats of Arms
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There are literally hundreds of different symbols
(or charges) that can appear on coats of arms.
The colors that are chosen and even the shape of
the shield itself can have significance for the
Family, Clan or Sept that was to bear the arms.
A BRIEF HISTORY.
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Meanings of symbols
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Elements of a Coat of Arms

• Shield The colours and charges (lions, designs)
  that appear on the shield are a part of the
  official blazon, but the shape of the shield is
  not. Shield shapes vary according to the
  geographical origin as well as the time period.
• Crest Also a part of the official blazon, the
  crest is whatever appears above the helm. (There
  is not always a crest for every coat of arms.)
• Helm Not a part of the official blazon, the
  helmet varies with the bearer's rank, the century
  represented, or the herald's / artist's
  preference.
• Wreath Not a part of the official blazon, the
  wreath usually consists of the primary colour and
  metal.
• Mantle / Mantling Not a part of the official
  blazon (except often colours are specified), the
  design varies with the herald's / artist's
  preference. Represents the cloth that hung from
  the wreath and protected the back of the head /
  neck, even though it may often be depicted more
  like the leaves of a plant.

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Symbolism of Birds on Crests

• Martlet/Swallow One who has been dispossessed
  of land. Sign for fourth son. In Ireland the
  Martlett was the bird of perpetual movement e.g.
  McGill, McCoy
• Eagle Protector, a person of action, noble
  nature, power, strength. In Ireland the eagle,
  along with other birds, was regarded as one of
  the 'demons of the air' and was thus a very
  popular and powerful charge. E.g. Harrison, Dunne
  
• Peacock Beauty, pride 
• Swan A musical person, poetry, harmony
• Dove Love, Peace. In Ireland the Dove was
  regarded as the bird of God e.g. Nash, Sheehan

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Others symbols of a Coat of Arms
An arm or hand in armor A person with qualities
of leadership Anchor religious steadfastness
Hope Angels Dignity, glory, and honour
missionary bearer of joyful news Bear
Strength, cunning, ferocity in the protection of
one's kindred
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Symbols cont.

• Bee Efficient industry
• Bishop's Mitre Authority
• Buck One who will not fight unless provoked
  peace and harmony
• Dragons Valiant
  defender of treasure valour and
  protection

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Swan Poetic harmony and learning, or lover
thereof light, love, grace, sincerity,
perfectionHunting dog Courage, vigilance, and
loyaltyOthersSea horse Power of the
waterRock Safety and protection
refugeUnicorn Extreme courage virtue and
strengthVine Strong and lasting friendship
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Symbolism of Colours
Or (Gold) Generosity        
Argent (Silver or White) Sincerity, Peace  
Purpure (Purple) Justice, Sovereignty, Regal  
Gules (Red) Warrior, Martyr, Military Strength  
Azure (Blue) Strength, Loyalty  
Vert (Green) Hope, loyalty in love  
Sable (Black) Constancy, Grief  
Tenne or Tawny (Orange) Worthwhile Ambition  
Sanguine or Murray (Maroon) Victorious, Patient in Battle  
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Example crests
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School / Academy Crests
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An example of New Zealands Crest
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The Mitchell coat of arms came into existence
centuries ago. The process of creating coats of
arms (family crests) began in the eighth and
ninth centuries. The newer art of Heraldry made
it possible for families and even individual
family members to have their very own coat of
arms.