Coat of arms

A coat of arms is a special visual design that was used a long time ago, especially in Europe. It was often drawn on a shield, or sometimes on special clothes like a surcoat or tabard. This design helped people know who someone was, like a name tag or a logo today. Each design was unique to a person, a family, a state, a group, a school, or even a company.

The coat of arms was the main part of something called a heraldic achievement. This included not just the shield, but also things like animals on either side called supporters, a small design on top called a crest, and a special phrase known as a motto. Only one person or group could use their own special design, which was called being the armiger.

Over time, people started collecting these designs in books called Rolls of arms. These books helped families and others see who their ancestors were and how their family line went through time. Even today, coats of arms are still used by many noble familys and important groups to show their history and who they are.

History

Main article: History of heraldry

See also: List of oldest heraldry and Origin of the coat of arms

Heraldic designs started in Europe in the 12th century. By the 13th century, these designs became organized and could be passed down in families. Over time, more places and groups began to use them.

Today, many places and groups still use coats of arms like special logos to show who they are. Some countries, like England and Scotland, have special groups that decide who can use certain coats of arms.

Regional traditions

Main article: French heraldry

Main articles: English heraldry, Scottish heraldry, and Welsh heraldry

Main article: Irish heraldry

Main articles: German heraldry, Norwegian heraldry, Swedish heraldry, Danish heraldry, Finnish heraldry, and Icelandic heraldry

Main articles: Spanish heraldry, Portuguese heraldry, Hungarian heraldry, Dutch heraldry, Belgian heraldry, Maltese heraldry, Polish heraldry, and South African heraldry

Main article: Canadian heraldry

Main article: United States heraldry

Coats of arms are special designs that show families, places, or groups. They have been used for a long time in Europe and are still used in many countries today. In France, the way coats of arms are made influenced other European countries. In England and Scotland, these designs were used by people and passed down in families. They helped to identify people, especially on important papers.

In Ireland, special officers managed the giving out of coats of arms. In Germany and the Nordic countries, coats of arms are used by cities and regions to show who they are. Many other countries, like Canada and the United States, also have their own ways of making and using coats of arms. These designs often appear on official seals and symbols, showing the history and values of the place or group they represent.

Ecclesiastic heraldry

Main article: Ecclesiastical heraldry

The Vatican City State and the Holy See each have their own coat of arms. Popes create their own designs instead of passing down arms from before. Each pope mixes personal symbols with signs of their role. Some popes came from important families, while others made new designs to show what they care about. For example, Pope John Paul II used a large letter M to honor the Virgin Mary. Many Roman Catholic areas, like dioceses and special churches called basilicas, also have their own coats of arms. In places where people do not usually use heraldry, these symbols show pride and belonging. In countries with official rules for heraldry, like Scotland, these coats of arms need approval and recording.

Flags and banners

Main article: Heraldic flag

Flags help us recognize ships, embassies, and other important places. They often use the same colors and designs as heraldry, but they are not usually called heraldic. A country can have both a national flag and a national coat of arms, and they might look very different. For example, the flag of Scotland shows a white saltire on a blue field, while the royal arms of Scotland features a red lion inside a special border on a gold (or) background.

Modern national emblems

Main article: Armorial of sovereign states

Further information: Socialist heraldry, South African heraldry, Nigerian heraldry, and Coats of arms and emblems of Africa

Many countries today use special designs called emblems instead of traditional coats of arms. These emblems often show symbols that are important to the country’s history and culture. For example, some countries in the Middle East use the star and crescent, which comes from the Ottoman flag, and symbols like the Eagle of Saladin.

In Africa, after countries became independent, they often chose symbols from their own traditions or nature. Animals like lions, elephants, and leopards appear in the emblems of many African nations. Each symbol has a special meaning for the country.

Comparable traditions outside of Europe

See also: Mon (emblem) and Tamga

Japanese emblems, called kamon, are special family badges. People in Japan have used them since the 7th century, and they are still used today. These emblems often have pretty shapes and flower designs.