The coat of arms is the main distinguishing sign of various structures, countries and even people. How is this word interpreted? How did coats of arms come about? What kinds of them exist?
The coat of arms is… The definition of the word
Coats of arms appeared a very long time ago and were usually used as an identification mark. Now they, together with the flag and anthem, form the basis of the national symbols of any modern country in the world. The word "coat of arms" means a distinctive sign or emblem that is inherited. It displays the main features, objects, colors characteristic of the owner, and can refer to a person, clan, region, estate, country, etc.
The coat of arms is a composite image that may include several figures that have a symbolic meaning for its owner. The use, status and image of the coat of arms are determined in accordance with the historically established order. The history and meaning of coats of arms is studied by the special science of heraldry.
Where did the term "coat of arms" come from? The meaning of the word from German is translated as "inheritance", where it sounds like Erbe. In the East Slavic countries (Belarus, Ukraine, Russia), the word most likely came from the Polish language (herb), already in a modifiedsee.
Origin story
It has always been common for people to surround themselves with various symbols. The habit of using images of animals, plants, weapons as a generic sign is deeply rooted. So, the prototypes of the coats of arms were Indian totems, Asian tamgas.
Many ancient emperors and conquerors also chose different images for their personal armor and weapons. For example, the symbol of Alexander the Great was a sea horse. All of these signs were arbitrary and changed frequently.
The first emblems appear around the 10th century in the era of the Dark Middle Ages. Family emblems of royal persons were placed on seals, served as painting on important documents. The development of the heraldic tradition is facilitated by the appearance of the Crusades and knightly tournaments.
For knights, the coat of arms is the main identification mark, which was placed on armor, shields, cloaks, and horse blankets. At the end of the 12th century, coats of arms became widespread. Heraldic canons and specialists who understand this appeared. Each noble family had its own coat of arms, which was inherited, mainly through the male line.
Types of emblems
The wide distribution and development of heraldic art contributed to the emergence of many varieties of coats of arms. They are distinguished by legal status, styles, ranks, affiliation, etc. There are state and municipal coats of arms. They are considered official symbols that are legally assigned to countries, their cities and regions. Themdescription and meaning are usually written into national law codes.
In the Middle Ages, family coats of arms arose, which still exist in some noble families. They are divided into noble, civil, philistine and peasant. Before the appearance of tribal coats of arms, there were personal coats of arms that referred to a specific person.
Corporate emblems refer to individual enterprises, orders, workshops, clubs, schools. They state history and meaning, past accomplishments and the current position of the organization they represent. For example, old universities such as Harvard, Cambridge and others have their coats of arms.
Components of the coat of arms
Since the appearance of coats of arms is associated with chivalry, the terminology in heraldry is directly related to medieval military armor. The details that make up the coat of arms are a shield, a crown, a helmet, a crest, shield holders, a mantle, a mantle, a burlet, a base and a motto. Flags, pennants, a banner, a standard and a flag may also be present.
The main composition of the coat of arms is placed on the shield, it can have Byzantine, French, German, Italian, Polish, rhombic, round and other shapes. Shield holders are usually placed on the sides. It can be various animals, mythical creatures, angels, people. The shield itself may be on a base or on a small platform, below which is usually the owner's motto written on a ribbon.
Above the shield is a crown or a helmet with a crest, which differ according to the status of the wearer. On the helmetsometimes a burlet (a fabric tourniquet), a bastard (a cloak with jagged edges) are placed. The coats of arms of monarchs and sovereigns are wrapped in a royal mantle.
Symbolism
The basic rule of the coat of arms is symbolism. Each figure, image and color should have a direct connection with the owner of the emblem and reflect his character, traits, aspirations. Certain meanings are assigned to figures and colors in heraldry.
The symbols of the ruling dynasties were often the eagle, meaning power, insight, wisdom, the lion, meaning strength and courage. The symbol of the empire was the double-headed eagle. Many state and municipal coats of arms depicted valuable local or endemic animals. Zebras for Botswana, kangaroos and ostriches for Australia, and swordfish and flamingos for Botswana.
The colors on the emblems are also not accidental. Gold is usually a symbol of empires and kingdoms, meaning generosity, we alth and justice. Silver color equates to white and means purity. Blue or azure is a symbol of purity and beauty, green is a sign of hope, black is a sign of humility. The red color in heraldry means suffering, as well as strength, courage and courage.
