What are the designs on shields called?

What are the designs on shields called?

Escutcheon shapes are derived from actual shields that were used by knights in combat, and thus are varied and developed by region and by era.

What do the symbols on a shield mean?

Colours and symbol meanings

Gold (or): generosity and elevation of the mind. Silver or white (argent): peace and sincerity. Red: warrior or martyr; military strength and magnanimity. Blue: truth and loyalty. Green: hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

What are the 8 parts to a heraldic shield?

The eight parts of an achievement were:

• The shield.
• The helmet.
• The mantling.
• The wreath.
• The crest.
• The supporters.
• The coronets.
• The mottoes.

What are the rules of heraldry?

Each coat of arms should be unique. The arms should be distinguishable at a distance, so the majority of components should be large, simple and composed of a very few tinctures (colours) The main charge (design on the shield) should cover its field (the whole of the space available on the shield)

What is a bouche shield?

The Bouche shield is a shield that is to be used with a lance, normally while jousting. There is a ridge in the middle of the shield which deflects weapons away. The Boucher shield also has a groove on the top of the front plate where the knight can rest his lance.

What are the traditional colors and symbols on a shield medieval?

Medieval Shield Symbols – Colors
Red ( Gules) Blue (Azure) Black (Sable) Green (Vert)

What was the purpose of a Herald?

herald, originally, an officer in medieval Europe charged with carrying messages to and from the commanders of opposing armies; in modern times, a professional authority on armorial history and genealogy.

What is a crest on a shield?

A crest is the object placed on top of the helmet and bound to it by what is known as a “wreath of the colours,” a twist of cloth (part of the mantling) of the two principal colours of the arms.

What is the top of a shield called?

A shield boss, or umbo, is a round, convex or conical piece of material at the centre of a shield. Shield bosses (or sometimes, just “bosses”) are usually made of thick metal but could also be made of wood.

What are the leaves around a crest called?

In heraldry, a torse or wreath is a twisted roll of fabric laid about the top of the helmet and the base of the crest. It has the dual purpose of masking the join between helm and crest, and of holding the mantling in place.

What does a bend mean in heraldry?

In heraldry, a bend is a band or strap running from the upper dexter (the bearer’s right side and the viewer’s left) corner of the shield to the lower sinister (the bearer’s left side, and the viewer’s right).

What does a Chevron mean in heraldry?

protection
The chevron represents the foot of a house, derived from the French work ‘chevron’ meaning rafter. It signifies protection. The chevron was granted to those who had participated in some notable enterprise, had built churches or fortresses, or had accomplished some work requiring faithful service.

What shield shape is best?

Shape

• Flat shields are cheaper to make for manufacturers and have potential to be linked together horizontally or vertically, providing a better, tighter fit.
• Curved shields provide better side protection and angle shot protection from incoming rounds than flat shields.
• Rectangular shields are more traditional.

What shields did Templars use?

The Templar Knight Scottish Cross Shield by Marto is an ornamental triangular shield, known as a kite shield, made from steel and embellished with gold.

What does black mean on a shield?

Constancy
Even the colors can have special meaning in a “family crest” or coat of arms:

What did Viking shield designs mean?

Rawhide covered the surface and the shield had bright colors: yellow and black or red and black. The color could also send a message. Red shields signaled war. A white shield meant peace. It must have been terrifying to see a Viking ship with a row of red shields on each side landing on your coast.

What is an example of herald?

The definition of a herald is a messenger or announcer. An example of a herald is a town news crier. An example of a herald is the very first flower to bloom in the spring. An official formerly charged with making royal proclamations and bearing messages of state between sovereigns.

What does the name herald mean?

One who proclaims
In English Baby Names the meaning of the name Herald is: One who proclaims. Also’Army commander.

What is the difference between a crest and a shield?

A crest is an element or part of a coat of arms, but not the entire arms. On a coat of arms, the crest is found above the shield, usually on top of a helmet. The crest can be used alone as a symbol for the holder/family or a shortcut for the coat of arms.

What is the difference between a badge and a crest?

In sport, a crest is the term used to describe a logo used by a sports club. Such a logo is also often termed a badge. The logos of many clubs are inspired by heraldic design. The use of the term crest to describe a logo derives from the misconception that a crest refers to any emblem that is heraldic.

What is the boss of a shield called?

umbo
A shield boss, or umbo, is a round, convex or conical piece of material at the centre of a shield.

What does a dragon mean on a coat of arms?

courage
DRAGON: This fantastic heraldic monster symbolizes courage. EAGLE: Emblematic of fortitude and magnanimity of mind.

What does a dog mean on a coat of arms?

D. Dog. The dog is the emblem of faithfulness and guardianship in heraldry. Dogs were considered loyal and temperate and the dog is a symbol of a skilled hunter. It was also associated with priests since priests were watchdogs against the devil.

What is a Dexter hand?

Dexter (Latin for ‘right’) indicates the right-hand side of the shield, as regarded by the bearer, i.e. the bearer’s proper right, and to the left as seen by the viewer. Sinister (Latin for ‘left’) indicates the left-hand side as regarded by the bearer – the bearer’s proper left, and to the right as seen by the viewer.

What does a pale mean on a shield?

A pale is a term used in heraldic blazon and vexillology to describe a charge on a coat of arms (or flag), that takes the form of a band running vertically down the centre of the shield.