Heraldry: the meaning of symbols and colors. Types, shape of shields and their meaning in heraldry

No state can exist without its own symbols, by which it will be recognized. If to reflect, in the modern world flags and arms are very important, because they combine the characteristics of the country, its spirit and basic features.

This applies even more to the state emblem. Special attention is paid to the study of such a science as heraldry. We turn to it.

What kind of science is this

Despite the intricate name, the essence of science is quite simple. Heraldry studies the meaning of the symbols and colors used to create the coat of arms. This kind of knowledge at first glance may seem useless, but do not make hasty conclusions.

Heraldry originated during the time of the Crusades and over time absorbed many of the traditions of chivalry, reflected the way of life and culture of feudal Europe.

The emblem can tell a lot about its owner: strengths and weaknesses, the motto, its life credo and even social status. All that is needed in order to understand all this, is only to turn to the knowledge that has been accumulated over many centuries of study.

Coat of arms and his master

Before proceeding to a more specific consideration of certain symbols, we will determine who the coat of arms may belong to. In the understanding of modern man this word is associated primarily with the state. Russia, for example, has a double-headed eagle in this capacity .

Nevertheless, as the heraldry says, the meaning of symbols and colors can be important not only to the country, but also to the city, a particular territory or even a specific genus. By the way, it was the latter variant that was the most common.

Significance of color

It is easy to guess that the execution of the emblem is important even for the smallest, seemingly insignificant detail, without which the meaning of the heraldic symbol will change radically. Heraldry value of symbols and colors is considered both in the aggregate, and separately from each other. It can be assumed that only the very first images, which were placed on flags and armor, had a random character. However, in the Middle Ages, when the fascination with the mystical characteristics of certain phenomena and beings was widespread, in an era when people tried to discern the hidden meaning and some divine revelation in the world around them, symbols and colors began to attach special significance.

The meaning of flowers in heraldry is especially great, since it is them that are primarily attracted to attention. In addition, the color additionally characterizes the owner of the coat of arms. Heraldry uses seven colors: two metals and five enamels. Initially, only four colors were used, but over time the palette expanded by mixing colors. A separate type of heraldic color is considered fur - ermine and squirrel.

So, let's consider the basic meaning of colors in heraldry.

Gold

Most often, of course, gold coins are used in coats of arms. In addition to the usual evidence of luxury and wealth, this color carries other information.

The use of gold in the coat of arms was originally indicative of belonging, if not to the royal, then to a very rich family.

Heraldry the meaning of symbols and colors treats very clearly, so attention is paid to every detail. Thus, the presence of gold elements in the emblem often indicated the presence of the solar component, which was considered a sign of elevation, majesty of the genus or territory.

Silver

If in the previous case there was an obvious reference to sunlight, then a soft silvery shade represents in the emblemic symbolism a night light. In addition, this color speaks of the purity of the family, its high origin and special trust from the upstream. Silver always spoke of being elected.

Scarlet

The representatives of militant genera loved scarlet coats of arms and shields. It was the shades of red that spoke of the bravery, steadfastness and power of the bearers. This color is fiery, powerful. By the way, in the Slavic culture there was even a custom of shielding before the battle by sprinkling one's own blood. This not only frightened the enemies, but also provided powerful protection for the carrier itself.

Approximately the same principle guided the Spartans, choosing the shade of their attire.

Blue

The predominance of the blue color in the symbolism indicated the adherence of the bearers to the eternal ideals of beauty.

The azure shade on the shields and coats of arms was to testify to the clarity of judgment, impeccability and elitism.

Black

This color of shields says not only about mourning, but also about profundity, discretion, nobility of the bearer. Typically, this color is applied perpendicular lines over the entire surface. Shields in heraldry are studied especially closely.

For what the shields were decorated

The tradition of placing various decals on the shield dates back to the time of the Crusades. In the heat of battle it was extremely difficult to distinguish their fellow-soldiers from the enemy, for the knight armor looked about the same, and the battle structures were constantly changing during the battle. Even banners and banners could not always serve as distinctive features. That is why the noble knights began to put on the shields of various symbolic images that distinguished their personal prowess and served as an identification mark on the battlefield.

Very often on the shields and arms are depicted animals, whose distinctive features were to tell others about the nature of the knight. Among the animals that are most often found on heraldic symbols, it is worth noting the lion, leopard, eagle. The importance of animals in heraldry is usually reduced to identifying the strong-willed and heroic qualities of a knight who decorated their regalia with them.

Animals on the Shield

So, for example, a lion in heraldry is traditionally considered a symbol of courage, courage and generosity. An alternative to a lion is often a leopard. More often than not, the lion is depicted on the coat of arms or shield alone, but sometimes you can see the image of several animals. Such lions are considered to be lions.

Eagle - this is also a very common heraldic symbol, you can even say that after the predominant position of the lion, the eagle occupies the second, no less confident place.

Heraldic flora

Plants in heraldry are of no less importance than animal images. The use of various plants in heraldry has a long history. The most common way among plants is the rose symbol. The Queen of Flowers often takes an honorable place on the arms of various noble families. According to the laws of heraldry, only members of the royal family can afford to decorate their coat of arms with a wreath or a garland from a rose. Another popular symbol of plant origin is the lily. It symbolizes purity, holiness, purity.

Figures of fantastic animals, as a rule, were borrowed from folklore or mythology.

Among such images, griffins, phoenix birds, mermaids, famous basilisks, of course, pegasus, are most often found on arms. We did not dispense with fire-breathing dragons in this case.

The statement that creatures were extremely fantastic in heraldry would be wrong. On the arms of houses and states, eagles, antelopes, horses and salamanders, panthers and deer, wolves and lions were often encountered.