Heraldry Traditions: Nations With Family Crests And Coat Of Arms

Family crests and coats of arms are powerful symbols of family heritage and legacy. They were commonly used in the 11th to 17th centuries and were often granted to individuals of noble birth or high social standing. While the use of family crests and coats of arms was most prevalent in medieval Europe, other parts of the world, such as Japan and the Arab world, have also adopted similar traditions of heraldic symbolism. Today, family crests and coats of arms continue to hold cultural significance in many countries and are passed down through generations as a source of family pride and identity.

Heraldry in England and Scotland

Coats of arms and family crests are powerful symbols that have been passed down through generations. They were commonly used from the 11th to the 17th century, and they can still be meaningful reminders for families past, present, and future.

In England, King Richard I made coats of arms hereditary in the 13th century, and each generation had to slightly alter the design to distinguish it from the previous one. Women were also allowed to bear coats of arms, as long as they incorporated unique designs that distinguished them as female.

Scottish heraldry does not recognise the concept of a "family coat of arms". Instead, junior members of a family are assigned specific variations on the armorial bearings of an ancestor. Scottish heraldry assumes that all those who share the same surname are related, and new grants of arms to individuals with the same surname will generally be variations on the arms of the head of the family.

Another difference between Scottish and English heraldry is the treatment of heraldic badges. In England, the granting of badges has become "commonplace" in recent years, while in Scotland, the grant of badges is limited to individuals or entities with a "numerous following", such as peers, the baronage, clan chiefs, and chieftains.

A further distinction lies in the positioning of the motto in relation to the crest. In Scottish heraldry, the motto is displayed on a scroll placed above the crest and is considered a component of the grant of arms. In English heraldry, the motto is usually illustrated in the patent of arms but can be changed at will.

Scottish heraldry also employs a unique system of bordures (borders) surrounding the shield to distinguish younger sons of an armiger, while English heraldry uses small symbols called brisures for this purpose.

The Heraldry Society of Scotland, founded in 1977, promotes the study and encourages the correct use of heraldry in Scotland and overseas.

Heraldry in the United States

Despite this, coats of arms and family crests have played a significant role in American history, especially during the colonial period. Many early settlers, particularly those from Virginia, Maryland, and the Dutch colony of New Netherland, were scions of old county families and brought their heraldic traditions to the New World. These included families such as the Washingtons, Lees, Fairfaxes, Randolphs, and Carters, who bore coats of arms that can still be seen on various relics and records from the colonial era.

In addition to these traditional coats of arms, the US government has also adopted official symbols and seals that can be considered a form of heraldry. The Great Seal of the United States, created by an Act of Congress in 1782, features an eagle, olive branch, arrows, and the motto "E pluribus unum." The US Army, Air Force, and various government departments, such as the Department of Commerce, have also been granted coats of arms or emblems that serve as official insignia.

Today, heraldry in the US is not as common or strictly regulated as in some other countries. However, there is still interest in the topic, and some Americans continue to use coats of arms and family crests as a way to connect with their heritage and ancestry. It is important to note that the use of heraldic symbols without official sanction can be controversial, and there are laws in place to protect certain seals and coats of arms from misuse or unauthorised reproduction.

Nationalities with Family Crests and Coat of Arms

Family crests and coats of arms are most commonly associated with European nobility and high-class families during the medieval period. However, the practice of using heraldic symbols has spread beyond Europe and can be found in various forms around the world.

In addition to the United States, other countries and regions that have adopted coats of arms include:

• The United Kingdom: Each country in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) has its own coat of arms, and there are also specific coats of arms for individuals, corporations, and private organisations.
• Canada: While Canada does not have an official coat of arms, each province and territory has its own unique coat of arms or emblem.
• Australia: Australia does not have a national coat of arms, but it does have an official heraldic symbol, and each state and territory has its own coat of arms.
• New Zealand: New Zealand has an official coat of arms that features a quartered shield, a constellation of stars, and a wreath of silver fern leaves.
• South Africa: South Africa has a national coat of arms that symbolises the country's diverse cultural and natural heritage.

It is worth noting that the concept of family crests and coats of arms is not limited to nations or states. Many cities, towns, and even individuals have adopted their own heraldic symbols throughout history, reflecting their heritage, achievements, or social status.

Heraldry in Canada

Canada's heraldic journey began in 1534 when French explorer Jacques Cartier landed on Canadian soil and raised the royal arms of France. From the beginning of the settlement of Canada until the Treaty of Paris in 1763, armorial bearings were largely brought from France or awarded by the French crown. An exception is the coat of arms of Nova Scotia, awarded in 1625 by Charles I, making it the oldest coat of arms in the Commonwealth outside the United Kingdom.

Upon the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, the British Crown confirmed the French awards of arms. However, between 1763 and 1867, there is little evidence of significant heraldic activity. It was only after Canadian Confederation that heraldry in Canada gained prominence, with grants of arms to provinces, educational institutions, municipalities, and individuals.

In the late 1980s, a significant shift occurred. The Queen issued letters patent, authorizing the governor general to exercise her authority in heraldic matters. This led to the establishment of the Canadian Heraldic Authority (CHA), which now has exclusive jurisdiction over granting awards of arms in Canada. The CHA, headed by the governor general, creates coats of arms, flags, and badges, recording historical emblems and promoting Canadian heraldry.

All Canadian citizens have the right to petition for an award of arms, and the granting of arms is considered an honour from the King of Canada, bestowed by the governor general. The process involves sending a petition to the Chief Herald, providing a biography, references, and completed application forms. If approved, the individual collaborates with heralds from the Authority to design their unique emblem.

Canadian heraldry stands out for its inclusion of Indigenous symbolism and its commitment to equality for men and women. Coats of arms may be displayed on roundels, referencing drumheads, or incorporate elements like inukshuks, qulliqs, and igloos, honouring the Inuit and First Nations peoples. Additionally, women in Canada are entitled to inherit and transmit arms, thanks to provisions in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Heraldry in Italy

One key aspect of Italian heraldry is the influence of the country's unique history. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Italy was divided into three parts: the Lombard Kingdom in the north, the States of the Church in central Italy, and the Lombard duchies of Spoleto and Benevento in the south. This division set the stage for the development of city-states, which often aligned themselves with either the pro-imperial or pro-papal factions, leading to frequent internecine strife. The economic revival of the time, particularly in the northern ports, also played a crucial role in the development of Italian heraldry.

The use of civic arms in Italian heraldry is notable. The cities of Milan, Lombardy, and Tuscany, for example, adopted the carroccio, a four-wheeled cart bearing the banner of the commune. The Florentine arms, in particular, have been described in great detail by Giovanni Villani in his chronicle, providing valuable insights into Italian civic heraldry. The arms of the State of Florence, known as the "lis", and the arms of the Colonna family, featuring a column as a canting device, are also significant in Italian heraldry.

The development of personal and family arms in Italy is another area of interest. While there is a lack of extensive seal collections, tombstones, and other sources, some examples of early Italian personal arms have been preserved. For instance, a tomb in the church of Aracoeli in Rome, dating back to 1213, features a Norman shield with the arms "Bendy, on a chief a label of five pendants". The adoption of armorial devices by merchants is also evident, with the earliest examples dating back to the 13th century.

The ecclesiastical heraldry of Italy is also worth mentioning. Popes, cardinals, patriarchs, archbishops, and bishops all had distinct insignia of rank, such as crossed keys, tiaras, and mitres. The use of supporters, such as birds and human figures, was also common in Italian heraldry, with examples dating back to the 13th century.

In conclusion, Italian heraldry has a rich history that reflects the country's political, economic, and social developments over the centuries. While the study of Italian heraldry may be challenging due to limited sources, the existing evidence provides valuable insights into the country's heraldic traditions and their evolution.

Heraldry in Germany

History and Origins:

German heraldry has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the Holy Roman Empire and even earlier. One of the earliest examples of heraldry in Germany is associated with Emperor Charlemagne, who, after his coronation in the year 800, erected an imperial eagle at his palace. This established the eagle as a enduring symbol of the empire for centuries to come. The use of seals, or "Siegel" in German, became prevalent in the late Middle Ages, further spreading the use of heraldry to various institutions.

Distinctive Features:

German heraldic style stands in contrast to Gallo-British, Latin, and Eastern heraldry. It is characterised by its scarce use of heraldic furs, multiple crests, the inseparability of the crest, and the repetition of charges in the shield and crest. The eagle and the lion are prominent charges, with the eagle symbolic of the Holy Roman Empire and the lion representing certain feudal lords. The colours black, red, and gold are also commonly seen in German heraldry, with black charges often appearing on red fields and vice versa.

Granting of Arms:

Contrary to popular belief, arms in Germany were rarely granted by the Emperor. Between 1350 and 1600, only 18 achievements of arms were granted by the Emperor, with the majority of arms being self-styled. By the end of the Empire in 1806, Germany was divided into numerous independent territories, making it impractical to have a central authority for granting arms. Most noble families held the position of "Hofpfaltzgrafen" (Heraldic Authority), and the granting of arms was often accompanied by the payment of a fee.

Modern-Day Heraldry:

Since 1918, heraldic affairs in Germany have been handled under Civil Law. Personal arms are protected as part of an individual's name if they are officially recorded and published. There are "heraldic societies" that are licensed by local authorities and are responsible for reviewing and registering coats of arms. These societies play a crucial role in preserving the rich history and traditions of German heraldry.

Civic Arms:

The process for obtaining civic arms differs slightly. Municipal constitutions typically allow towns or communities to use arms. New arms are designed by a heraldist or heraldry society and must be scrutinised by the State Archive before becoming legal. Many smaller communities in Germany bear unofficial or illegal arms that have not gone through this process.

National Coat of Arms:

The coat of arms of Germany, also known as the "Bundesadler" or Federal Eagle, features a black eagle with a red beak, tongue, and feet on a golden field. This design is one of the oldest national symbols in Europe and has undergone various iterations throughout Germany's history.

In summary, German heraldry is a complex and fascinating aspect of the country's history and culture, with a unique style and set of traditions that have evolved over centuries.

Frequently asked questions