Back to top of page Heraldry and History Coats of Arms are intertwined with heraldry and history. Heraldry offers a fascinating study of medieval lifestyles where we can surmise mush regarding our forefathers. Historically, different creatures of nature denoted certain characteristics, and various inanimate shaped implied certain traits, historical factors or aspirations. For example, the chevron symbolized protection and has often been placed on Arms to tell others that its bearer achieved some notable feat. Some Arms are an artistic interpretation of a person s name, e.g. many of the Fisher Arms include dolphins or fish.
Many arms reveal a person s occupation.
Others tell about less tangible characteristics, such as the early bearer s hopes, wishes and aspirations. For example, hope is shown by a wheat garb or sheaf, and joy by garlands of flowers or a red rose. Crosses and religious symbols often meant the person felt a closeness to his god, or could have symbolized that the knight was a veteran of one of history s bloodiest series of battles the Crusades. Heraldic research is full of proud warriors boasting their war records via their Coat of Arms. The first Arms were quite simple, consisting only of the shield.