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The first question that comes to mind for anyone who has ever seen a coat-of-arms, also referred to as a family crest, is what do all of the painted symbols and icons on the shield and crest mean?
The symbolism in the design of a family crest or coat of arms can tell you about your ancestors' achievements and status in society—a real testament to a family’s legacy. Here’s everything you need to know to understand, find, or create your family’s coat of arms.
What is a family crest? A family crest is an element that crests the design, as shown in the photo below the crest sits on top of the coat of arms. If your family’s coat of arms is too complex you can often use just the family crest. This photo shows one of our handcrafted shields with the crest attached to the knight’s helmet.
These symbols, known as a 'coat of arms' or 'family crest', served to identify the bearers amidst the tumult of the battlefield. Over time, they evolved into prestigious symbols of familial identity and social status.
Family crests and coats of arms offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, weaving together stories of valor, heritage, and identity. By understanding their historical roots and symbolic meanings, we can appreciate the rich tapestry of our ancestors’ lives and the legacy they left behind.
Each of the elements that comprise a crest work in tandem to represent character traits that the family is known for, such as strength, wisdom, leadership, agility and resilience. Attaching a crest or coat of arms to one's family history sometimes fuels a sense of pride or belonging.
Your family crest is a symbol that represents your heritage and can include animals, colors, and patterns with special meanings. You can find your family crest by researching your surname, using online databases like familysearch.org, or consulting heraldry experts.