DNA-R1B1C7-L Archives

From:
Subject: [DNA-R1B1C7] Check out The Origins of Heraldry by J.D. Williams
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2007 06:06:04 EDT

_The Origins of Heraldry by J.D. Williams_
(http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/genealogy/herald.htm)
HERALDIC COLOURS
Heraldry in its origin and purpose was a visual art. Its main tinctures or
colours were gules or red, symbol of martial fortitude and magnanimity; azure
or blue, symbol of loyalty and truth; sable or black, symbol of constancy and
grief; vert or green, symbol of hope and joy and purpose or purple, symbol
of royalty and justice. The chief metals used were or (gold), depicted as a
bright yellow, symbolising generosity and elevation of mind, and argent
(silver) depicted as white indicating peace of sincerity. The furs of heraldry
signify a mark of dignity, in addition to the symbolism attached to their various
colours. The furs are: ermine, ermines, erminois, pean, vair, countervair,
potent and counter-potent. Simple coats of arms are usually the most ancient,
often consisting of a single division of the shield into two colours or one
colour and a metal.
HERALDIC SYMBOLS
>From its simple and practical origins, heraldry gradually developed into a
highly sophisticated art. As the number of coats of arms multiplied, an ever
increasing number of objects, animals, birds and even mythical creatures began
to be depicted on shields. These devices were often emblematic of some
glorious deed or praiseworthy act of the owner and were founded on fact or
tradition appertaining to the bearer or his ancestors. Sometimes, religious symbols
or devices forming a play on the bearers name or occupation were used.
Examples of these are: Lyons, a lion; Oakes, acorns; Butler, covered cups; Woulfe,
a wolf; Fletcher, arrow heads; military men, weapons and armaments; bankers,
gold coins.
THE FAMILY COAT OF ARMS
The basic components of any armorial achievement are the shield, crest and
motto. Of these three the shield is the most important since the arms are
depicted on it. The crest, when it exists, surmounts the arms and is usually
shown on a wreath of the two main colours of the shield. Historically, the crest
was attached to the top of the Knight's helmet and acted as an additional
form of identification in battle. Mottoes were often a war-cry or slogan used in
battle, and later adopted by the clan. They are not hereditary and no one is
compelled to bear one, nor is any authority needed to adopt a motto, the
matter is left purely to the personal pleasure of the individual. Hence, we can
see how, the inclination of the bearer, the political climate of the time or
a new generation could bring about a change in the family motto. When a motto
exists it is usually shown on a scroll beneath the shield.
Clare County Library wishes to thank _Clare Local Studies Project_
(http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/library/local-studies/clasp/index.htm) for
preparation of text for this publication.
_<< Genealogy_
(http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/genealogy/genealog.htm)



************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

This thread:

• [DNA-R1B1C7] Check out The Origins of Heraldry by J.D. Williams by