Mantling: The mantling is a piece of cloth that flows out from the helmet. Wreath: The wreath is a rope or twisted cloth, a literal representation of the silk or rope used to tie a crest to a knight’s helmet. A crown could replace or accompany the helmet. Helm: A helmet rests below the crest but above the shield. Shield: The shield is the center of the design it is the only necessary piece when designing a coat of arms.Ĭrest: This symbolic object sits atop of the coat of arms. Although not every coat of arms has every piece, the following parts are often incorporated in the design. Most commonly, only nobility or high-class families in medieval Europe had them because they were granted by kings to recognize achievements.Ī coat of arms can be very detailed, and it often includes many elements. Unfortunately, they’re rarer than you might think. If you have European heritage, you may have a coat of arms or family crest. Over time, family crest became interchangeable with coat of arms, but the distinction is still important to understand, particularly if you’re searching for your family crest. Sounds like a fun conversation starter if you’re lucky enough to have one of them in your family tree!Īlternatively, the term family crest can refer to the overall design. Once again going back to the knight in shining armor, the crest may have been attached to the knight’s helmet.Ĭommon family crests include a lion, cross, tiger, or horse, but there are many others out there. The family crest is a smaller part of the design that can be used on its own when the entire coat of arms is too complex. In a full coat of arms, the crest literally crests the design-that is to say that it is often located at the top of the image.
They’re also passed down through generations and carry the history of the family with them. They were intended to recognize achievements and family heritage, so the design can provide insight into your family’s legacy.
Going back to the medieval knight, remember the brightly emblazoned shield? The design on the knight’s shield was often the knight’s coat of arms.Ĭoats of arms can help you learn a lot about your ancestry.
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