A&S Heraldics, Kieran Street, Kilkenny, Ireland.

Some of The Symbols of Heraldry

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Today a Family Coat of Arms is now displayed as a coloured Shield with a special design upon it.
Each of these colours, designs, symbols or creatures has a particular meaning.
Here I hope to give the meanings some of the most used symbols found on Shields.

Due to the large number of symbols used on Family Coats of Arms this page will be continually updated,
but if you do not find the symbol you are looking for please contact us.


SHIELD COLOURS
Or (Yellow or Gold) Shield ~ signifying Generosity.
Argent (White or Silver) Shield ~ signifies Peace and Sincerity.
Gules (Red) Shield ~ signifies Military Fortitude.
Azure (Blue) Shield ~ signifying Loyalty and Truth.
Vert (Green) Shield ~ signifying Hope, Joy and Loyalty in Love.
Sable (Black) Shield ~ signifying Constancy.


ORDINARIES

	Cross (a cross) ~ the symbol of a Christian Experience or Sentiment. Chief (a band across the top of the shield) ~ signifies Dominion and Authority. Fess (a band across the centre of the shield) ~ signifies a Military Belt or Girdle of Honour. Pale (a band down the centre of the shield) ~ signifies Military Strength and Fortitude. Pile (an inverted triangle) ~ signifies one who has Great Ability in Construction. Chevron (an inverted V) ~ signifies Protection. Saltire (an X) ~ the symbol of Resolution. Bend (a diagonal band) ~ a bearing of high honour signifying Defence and Protection. Border (a border surrounding the shield) ~ signifies an augmention of Honour. Bar (a narrow band across the centre of the shield) ~ symbolises one who sets Conscience, Religion and Honour against Angry Passions. Canton (a small square in the top corner of the shield)~ a bearing of Honour.

ANIMALS

Boar ~ the emblem of a Ferocious Fighter.
Bull ~ a symbol of Valour and Magnanimity.
Crane ~ the emblem of Vigilance.
Dog ~ signifies Courage, Vigilance and Loyalty.
Dove ~ represents Loving Constancy and Peace.
Eagle ~ signifies Nobility, Strength, Bravery and Alertness.
Elephant ~ signifies Courage and Strength.
Falcon ~ signifies one who is in pursuit of a desired object.
Fish ~ an early Christian symbol for Christ, when borne in threes they represent the Trinity.
Heron or Stork ~ the emblem of filial duty.
Horse ~ signifies readiness for all Employment’s for King and Country.
Leopard ~ represents a Valiant and Hardy Warrior.
Lion ~ the emblem of Deathless Courage.
Martlet or Swallow ~ the emblem of one who lives by his virtue and merit.
Raven ~ signifies a creator of their own fortunes.
Salmon ~ a symbol of Knowledge and Wisdom.
Scorpion ~ represents someone who once disturbed became dangerous and uncontrollable.
Snake or Lizard ~ the emblem of Wisdom.
Stag ~ the emblem of Policy, Peace and Harmony.
Swan ~ symbolises a Learned Person.
Wolf ~ denotes those who after great endeavours achieve their goal.

The Head of an Animal has the same meaning as the whole animal.


MYTHICAL ANIMALS

Centaur ~ symbolises one who has been eminent on the field of battle.
Griffin ~ the symbol of Vigilance.
Unicorn ~ the symbol of Virtue, Courage and Strength.


TREES AND PLANTS

Cinquefoil ~ a five leafed flower signifying Hope and Joy.
The red Cinquefoil represented a Rose.
The yellow Cinquefoil represented a Primrose.
The blue Cinquefoil represented a Periwinkle.
The white Cinquefoil represented a Jessamine.
The black Cinquefoil represented a Dawle.
The green Cinquefoil represented a Grass.
Fir Tree ~ signifying Hope in an eternal life.
Fleur-de-lis ~ is the heraldic lily which is the emblem of Purity and the symbol of the Virgin Mary.
Garb or Sheaf of Wheat ~ symbolising Plenty and Hospitality.
Holly Bush or Leaf ~ the emblem of Truth.
Ivy ~ signifies strong and lasting friendship.
Laurel Leaf ~ a symbol of Peace and Quietness.
Oak Tree ~ signifying Antiquity and Strength.
Rose (Red) ~ the symbol of Beauty and Grace.
Rose (White) ~ the symbol of Love and Faith.
Rose (Yellow) ~ the symbol of Hope and Joy.
Trefoil ~ signifies Perpetuity.


MILITARY OBJECTS AND CROWNS

Sword ~ the symbol of Military Honour.
Lymphad (a type of ship) ~ symbolising an action performed on the ‘world of waters’.
Cannon ~ a symbol given to those who have dared the terror of a cannon in battle.
Gauntlet ~ the emblem of one armed for the performance of martial enterprise.
Arrow or Arrow Head ~ the symbol of Martial Readiness.
Bow & Arrows ~ signifies one who resolved to abide the uttermost hazard of battle and so has furnished himself to the full.
Pheon ~ the emblem of Readiness for Military Service.
Fetterlock ~ an emblem of Victory.
Tower ~ an emblem of Grandeur and Society.
Arm in Armour ~ denotes one fitted for the performance of high enterprises.
Portcullis ~ signifies effectual protection in emergency.
Helmet ~ denotes Wisdom and Security in Defence.
Horseshoe ~ the emblem of Good Luck.
Mullet Pierced ~ denotes a Spur which is an emblem of Knightly Service.
Rest or Clarion ~ denotes one who is ready for war.
Scaling Ladder ~ denotes one who was fearless in attacking.
Antique Crown ~ the symbol of Royal Authority.
Eastern Crown ~ the symbol of one who served in the East.
Imperial Crown ~ the symbol of Royal Authority.
Mural Crown ~ a symbol of Civic Honour.
Ducal Crown ~ a symbol of Royal or Seigniorial Authority.


GENERAL OBJECTS

Annulet (a ring) ~ the emblem of Fidelity.
Arm ~ signifies a Laborious and Industrious person.
Bezant ~ a gold coin, denotes someone who is trustworthy.
Billet ~ signifies Knowledge and Faith in Words and Deeds.
Book (Open) ~ signifies Manifestation.
Book (Closed) ~ signifies Counsel.
Bugle Horn ~ signifies one who is fond of High Pursuits.
Caduceus or Snake Staff ~ the emblem of peace.
Cowl ~ a symbol of a hermit or religious person.
Crescent ~ symbolising Hope of Greater Glory.
Cross of Calvary~ the symbol of the Christian faith incorporating Faith, Hope and Charity.
Cross Crosslet ~ signifies “the fourfold mystery of the cross of Calvary”.
Cross Moline ~ the Miller’s Cross.
Cross Pattée or Flory~ signifies a conqueror.
Cup (Covered) ~ alludes to the office of king’s butler.
Cup (Open) ~ symbolises the Communion Chalice.
Escallop Shell ~ the emblem of a pilgrim or traveller.
Escarbuncle ~ the symbol of Supremacy.
Estoile ~ the star of God’s goodness.
Fret ~ the heraldic true lovers knot.
Guttée de sang ~ signifies drops of blood.
Guttée d’or ~ signifies drops of gold.
Guttée d’eau ~ signifies drops of water.
Guttée de poix ~ signifies drops of pitch.
Guttée de larmes ~ signifies drops of tears.
Guttée d’olive ~ signifies drops of oil.
Hammer ~ an emblem of honour and one who is unafraid of hard work.
Harp ~ signifies Contemplation.
Heart ~ the emblem of Sincerity and Charity.
Hand ~ the symbol of Faith, Sincerity and Justice.
Lozenge ~ represents Honesty and Constancy.
Mascle ~ the symbol of Persuasion.
Mountain ~ signifies Safety, Refuge and Protection.
Mullet or Star ~ denotes a Divine quality bestowed from above.
Ostrich Feathers ~ signifies willing obedience and serenity.
Plate ~ denotes Generosity.
Pellet ~ symbolised a cannon ball.
Sceptre ~ the emblem of Justice.
Shoe ~ the emblem of Stability and Expedition.
Sun ~ the emblem of Glory and Splendour.
Torch ~ a symbol of a zealous man.
Torteau ~ signifies the Communion Wafer.
Water Bouget ~ a symbol of one who serves.
Wings ~ symbolises Protection and Celerity.

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