What is a simple definition of a coat of arms?

Definition of coat of arms

1 : a tabard or surcoat embroidered with armorial bearings. 2a : heraldic bearings (as of a person) usually depicted on an escutcheon often with accompanying adjuncts (such as a crest, motto, and supporters) b : a similar symbolic emblem.

What is the description of a coat of arms called?

In heraldry and heraldic vexillology, a blazon is a formal description of a coat of arms, flag or similar emblem, from which the reader can reconstruct the appropriate image. The verb to blazon means to create such a description.

What is the meaning of the South African coat of arms?

It symbolises the promise of rebirth; the active faculties of reflection, knowledge, good judgement and willpower. It is the symbol of the source of life, of light and the ultimate wholeness of humanity. The completed structure of the Coat of Arms combines the lower and higher oval shape in a symbol of infinity.

What is another word for coat of arms?

In this page you can discover 14 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for coat-of-arms, like: armorial bearings, emblem, crest, blazon, armorial, arms, ensign, cartouche, bearings, blazonry and heraldic device.

What are the 8 parts of a coat of arms?

Parts of a Coat of Arms
  • Shield. The shield is the central shape on which the colours and symbols that make up the coat of arms are placed. …
  • Helmet and mantling. The helmet placed above the shield recalls the origins of heraldry. …
  • Crest and wreath. …
  • Motto. …
  • Supporters and Compartment.

What is the motto of the coat of arms?

The national Coat of Arms is a series of elements organized in two distinct ovals placed on top of one another. The elements in the circle of foundation include the following: 1 The motto: ! ke e:/xarra//ke, written in the language of the /Xam people, literally means Diverse People Unite.

What do the national symbols mean?

National symbols intend to unite people by creating visual, verbal, or iconic representations of the national people, values, goals, or history.

Why is the 5 national symbols so special to South Africa?

The 5 South African National symbols are important representations of South African wildlife and cultural diversity. Like the amazing landmarks in South Africa, these symbols represent the stories of the past and current South Africa. Each symbol was chosen by purpose and most are unique to the country.

What is a coat of arms Grade 5?

A coat of arms is a symbolic representation of an individual’s identity and values. As a student of character, your task is to create a new coat of arms that represents your identity! You can also create a coat of arms for a character in a book you are reading or a historic figure you are studying.

What is the difference between a family crest and a coat of arms?

The coat of arms generally refers to the, cape, shield, crest and helmet, while the family crest technically only refers to the small image that lies on the helm (top of the helmet). The family crest is a component of a coat of arms, which can be used as a simplified symbol when the full coat of arms is too detailed.

What is the motto of the coat of arms?

The motto is: ! ke e: /xarra //ke, written in the Khoisan language of the /Xam people, literally meaning diverse people unite. It addresses each individual effort to harness the unity between thought and action.

What means coat?

1 : an outer garment worn especially for warmth. 2 : the outer covering (as fur or feathers) of an animal. 3 : a layer of material covering a surface a coat of paint.

Can anybody have a coat of arms?

For any person to have a right to a coat of arms they must either have had it granted to them or be descended in the legitimate male line from a person to whom arms were granted or confirmed in the past.

Does every name have a coat of arms?

Except for a few individual exceptions from some parts of Eastern Europe, there is no such thing as a “family” coat of arms for a particular surname – despite the claims and implications of some companies to the contrary. Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families or surnames.

Can I create a coat of arms for my family?

You may certainly design your own coat of arms, and there’s even websites to help you do so (see below). You can also have it registered with the American College of Heraldry, which recommends you follow these guidelines when designing your own: Make sure your design is unique.

Can you inherit a coat of arms?

Armorial bearings are hereditary. They can be borne and used by all the descendants in the legitimate male line of the person to whom they were originally granted or confirmed.

Can I have my own coat of arms?

Any person or corporation already entitled to arms may petition for the grant of a badge, and others may do so at the same time as petitioning for a grant of arms and crest.

What should be included in a coat of arms?

It was based on the armor and gear worn by a knight and could include: a shield, a helmet, a mantle, a wreath, and a crest. In some cases (particularly for royal and noble heraldic achievements) two supporters, a compartment, and a motto were also included in the full armorial achievement.

What should I put on my coat of arms?

Lay out the rest of your coat of arms by choosing from the different parts and accessories. This could be a crown symbol, plants or flowers, weaponry, or something that you believe symbolizes yourself or your family. If you love flowers, you could incorporate flower, vines, or plant designs all around your shield.

How do you make a personal crest?

To make a family crest, which is a symbol that represents you and your family, you need to visualize an image that you can then draw and place on your crest. Start by thinking about symbols that represent your family’s history, your profession, and your interests that you can include in your crest.

What is the most important part of a coat of arms?

A shield was considered to be the most important part of a coat of arms. Symbolic of its importance to a family’s coat of arms, a shield could appear by itself without any other part of an achievement. A helmet appeared above the shield and the type of helmet and its position indicated the rank of the owner.

What is an example of a coat of arms?

An example of a coat of arms is a family crest. A representation of bearings. An arrangement of bearings, usually depicted on and around a shield, that indicates ancestry and distinctions.