What do heraldry symbols mean

For a list of all symbols and their meanings with illustrations page may take a while to load to your screen , visit Symbolism. Design by Fleur-de-lis Designs. Agricultural Tools See also Scythe and Sickle. Alisaunder Similar to Laurel.

Allerion Mythical creature, similar to an eagle, but without beak or claws. Annulet finger ring. Beacon Also Lantern or Lighthouse. Arm or Hand in Armour or Embowed. Axe Also Halbert, Halberd, Hatchet. Chapeau See also "cap of maintenance". Civic Wreath of oak leaves and acorns.

Cockatrice small serpent. Cornish Chough crow, raven; See "chough". Military strips or Belt of Valor. Rule and authority. Faith and protection. Defense or protectiom. Honor - reward for performance of eminent service. Military strength or bravery. Stands for military strength or fortitude. Represents the sea or water. She often holds a mirror. A cross, which can appear in many forms and in a variety of sizes, represents faith. Some depictions show Christ on the cross, while others are more stylized.

Dogs as standard bearers or on the shield can symbolize faithfulness or steadfast loyalty. They may be various breeds. A hand, glove, or gauntlet can signify readiness for armed combat. They may appear alone or in multiples. A lion can appear anywhere on a coat of arms or family crest , but it often signifies courage.

This is a common symbol that would have been readily identifiable. Keys, whether held by a figure or appearing alone, can symbolize guardianship.

They usually look like a simple skeleton key. Another mythical beast that appears in heraldry, a griffin is part bird and part lion. Griffins symbolize watchfulness. A chevron, which is still used in military uniforms today, is symbolic of protection granted. This is because it is in the shape of a pointed roof.

A primrose, usually a stylized drawing of a flower with about five petals, is a common fixture in heraldry. Usually shown in a walking position. Canting arms device used in Butterfield arms. An emblem of warning. Also used as a pun, as in the arms of Carter. As in the arms of Gonzalez. CAT: Not to be confused with the household kitty. This is a Scottish wildcat, represents vigilance and courage. There are still in the Highlands of Scotland.

The Highland broadsword. COCK: The rooster is the emblem of vigilance, virility, and bravery. CRAB: An uncommon symbol of patience and cunning. CRANE: Often shown holding a stone, which would drop if he fell asleep, thus waking him, this is an ancient representation of vigilance. In heraldry, the dolphin is green and red with scales and spikes on his back. He is most certainly not Flipper. DOVE: The emblem of peace and chastity. EYE: The eternal emblem of providence.

The fasces were also the emblem of the Italian fascist party under Benito Mussolini. It is, in fact, a medieval handcuff. The national emblem of France it just as common in English, Spanish and Italian heraldry. FORK: An emblem of industry, normally a hay or dug fork. FOX: Emblematic of intelligence and a refusal to be captured. FRET: The true love knot of heraldry. Also said to be a symbol of persuasion. FROG: The symbol of harmony and peace.

A spiked weapon.