SYMBOLISM OF HERALDIC ELEMENTS or... What does it mean if your coat of arms bears a red boar's head?
For examples of the different positions for heraldic
animals, For a list of symbols and their meanings, without illustrations, visit the Meanings: All page. |
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| Acacia Branch or Leaves |  |
Eternal and affectionate remembrance | |
| Acanthus Leaves |  |
Admiration of the arts | |
| Acorn |   |
Antiquity and strength. | |
Agricultural Tools (See also Scythe and Sickle) |
 |
Labouring in the earth and depending upon providence | |
| Alisaunder (Similar to Laurel) | Peace and/or triumph. | ||
| Allerion (Mythical creature, similar to an eagle, but without beak or claws) |  |
Strength of will and authority of mind | |
| Anchor |  |
Hope; religious steadfastness | |
| Angelica |  |
Inspiration | |
| Angels | (See Sample Angels) | Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news | |
| Annulet (finger ring) |
  |
Fidelity | |
| Ant |  |
Great labour, wisdom, and providence in one's affairs | |
| Antelope (Heraldic: A mythical animal with the body of a stag, the tail of a unicorn, a tusk at the tip of the nose, tufts down the back of the neck, chest, and thighs ) |   |
Harmony, political cunning, peace | |
| Antlers |  |
Strength and fortitude | |
| Anvil |   |
Honour; emblem of the smith's trade | |
| Apple/ Apple Tree |   |
Liberality, felicity, and peace; Perpetual concordance | |
| Arm (or Hand) in Armour or Embowed |   |
A person with qualities of leadership | |
| Arm, Naked |   |
An industrious person | |
| Arrow or Dart |  |
Readiness (for battle); if depicted with a cross, represents an affliction | |
| Aspen Leaves |  |
Determination; overcoming fears and doubts | |
| Ass |   |
Patience and humility | |
Axe (Also Halbert, Halberd, Hatchet) |
  |
Execution of military duty | |
| Azalea |  |
Temperance, passion | |
| Baby's Breath |  |
Purity of heart, innocence, breath of the Holy Spirit | |
| Baguette (gem ring) |  |
Fidelity | |
| Banderole |  |
See Banners | |
| Banner | (See banderole) | Refer to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant service | |
| Bar, Barry, Barrulet |  |
"One who sets the bar of conscience, religion, and honour against angry passions and evil temptations" acc. to Guillim | |
| Barry Wavy |  |
Troubles keep us in continuous exercise and reminders of providence (as waves in a storm at sea) | |
| Bat |
|
Awareness of the powers of darkness and chaos. | |
| Baton |  |
Token of authority | |
| Battle Axe | (See Axe) | Execution of military duty | |
| Bay Leaves |  |
Poet or victor's laurel | |
| Beacon (Also Lantern or Lighthouse) |  |
One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of danger | |
| Bear |
|
Strength, cunning, ferocity in the protection of one's kindred | |
| Beaver |   |
Industry and perseverance | |
| Bee |   |
Efficient industry | |
| Beech |  |
Tolerance, knowledge of history | |
| Bell |   |
Power to disperse evil spirits; a hawk's bells denotes one who was not afraid of signalling his approach in peace or war | |
Bell Tower (or Clock Tower) |
 |
Integrity | |
Bend/Bendy |
 |
Scarf or shield suspender of a knight
commander; signifies defense or protection |
|
| Berries | Liberality, felicity, and peace | ||
| Bezant/Byzantine Coin (Also Besant; Gold Roundle) |
  |
Worthy of trust of treasure. | |
| Billet/Billettee |  |
Bricks or letters (correspondence); one who obtained credence, knowledge, and faith in his words and deeds; one who is secret in one's affairs. | |
| Birch |  |
New beginnings; vision quest | |
| Bird of Paradise |  |
Freedom | |
| Birdbolt | (See Arrow) | Small arrow with blunt head. | |
| Bishop's Mitre |    |
Authority | |
| Black-Eyed Susan |  |
Encouragement | |
| Blasted |  |
Tree without leaves, withered | |
| Bluebonnet |  |
Grace, forgiveness, mercy | |
| Boar |   |
Bravery; fights to the death | |
| Boar's Head |  |
Hospitality | |
| Bonacon | (See Bull) | Bull with horse's tail and short mane. | |
| Bomb (Mortar Piece) |  |
One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle | |
| Bones (Crossed Thighbones) |  |
Mortality | |
| Book | (See Sample Books and Bibles) | If open, manifestation; if closed, counsel | |
| Border |  |
Difference between relatives bearing the same arms; also an augmentation of an honour | |
| Bourdon (See Pilgrim's Staff or Palmer's Stave) |  |
See pilgrim's or palmer's staff -- knob at upper end, point at bottom, hook near top | |
| Bow |  |
Readiness (for battle) | |
| Bow and Arrow |  |
War, power, ability to hit a target | |
| Braced |  |
Interlaced | |
| Bracket |  |
May be single or double; right angle-shaped support, as in a shelf support | |
| Bridge |  |
Governor or magistrate | |
| Broom Plant |   |
Humility; Ardor | |
| Buck (See Stag) |  |
One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony | |
| Buckle |   |
Victorious fidelity in authority | |
| Buglass (purple quatrefoil) |  |
Hope and joy. | |
| Bull/Buffalo |     |
Valour, bravery, generosity | |
| Bull's Head |  |
Valour, bravery, generosity | |
| Bull's Horns | Strength and fortitude | ||
| Butterfly |  |
Psyche or Soul | |
| Cactus Flower |  |
Bravery and endurance | |
| Cadences (Marks of Cadency) | See Marks of Cadency | Used to differentiate the heirs in a family. | |
| Caduceus |  |
Homeopathic medicine; medical profession; balance and the union of opposing forces | |
| Calla Lily |  |
Magnificent beauty; purity and chastity | |
Caltrap (or Caltrop) A weapon made up of two or more sharp nails or spines arranged in such a manner that one of them always points upward from a stable base. |
|
Considered the landmines of antiquity, useful to slow down the advance of the enemy army and to force the enemy into certain paths and approaches, or to provide a passive defense as part of a defensive works system. They were said to be particularly effective against the soft feet of camels. | |
| Camel |    |
Docility, patience, and perseverance | |
| Cannon & Cannon Balls |  |
One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle | |
| Candle/Lamp |   |
Light, life, and spirituality | |
| Canton |  |
As in a flag borne at the top corner of the shield; reward from the sovereign for performance of eminent service | |
| Cap of Maintenance |  |
Granted to British peers and Scottish feudal barons (see "Chapeau") | |
| Carnation |  |
Admiration; fascination, impulsiveness, capriciousness, joy, devotion | |
| Carpenter's Square |  |
Conforming one's actions to the laws of right and equity | |
| Castle (Tower/Chateau) |               |
Safety; protection | |
| Cat (Also Wildcat or Lynx) |      |
Liberty, vigilance, forecast, and courage | |
| Cattails (Bulrushes) |  |
Peace and prosperity | |
| Catherine Wheel |  |
One prepared to undergo great trials for the Christian faith | |
| Centaur |   |
Eminence in the field of battle | |
| Cerberus |  |
Guardian; Past, present, and future | |
| Chains |  |
Reward for acceptable and weighty service; with crowns and collars, this suggests the bearer bore the chain of obligation or obliged others because of services done | |
| Chamomile |  |
Energy; action | |
| Chapeau (See also "cap of maintenance") | |
Granted to British peers and Scottish feudal barons | |
| Chaplet (Floral) |  |
Usually with green leaves and four roses: the crown of joy and admiration | |
| Chequy |  |
Constancy | |
| Cherry Blossom |  |
Wealth and prosperity; Education; Feminine principle and love; Transcience of life | |
| Cherubs & Cherubim |
(See Sample Angels) | Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news | |
| Chess Rook |   |
Strategic thinking | |
| Chevron |  |
Protection; Builders or others who have accomplished some work of faithful service | |
| Chief |  |
Top one-third of the shield; signifies dominion and authority; often granted as a special reward for prudence and wisdom or successful command in war | |
| Chimera (as described in the Iliad) |  |
Impossible or difficult to believe | |
| Chough (Cornish Crow) |  |
Strategist in battle; watchful for friends | |
| Chrysanthemum |  |
Abundance, cheerfulness, optimism, truth, hope, rest, friendship | |
| Church |
(See Sample Churches) | Religion; faith; community | |
| Cinquefoils |   |
Hope and joy | |
| Civic Wreath (of oak leaves and acorns) |  |
One who saved a fellow citizen's life or shown patriotism in defense of one's native land | |
| Clarion |  |
Ready for war | |
| Claw of a Bird | Note the preyer that has been preyed upon | ||
Clock Tower |
(See Bell Tower) | Integrity | |
| Clouds |  |
Mystery, obscured truth | |
| Cock (male bird) |  |
Courage and perseverance; hero; able man in politics | |
| Cockatrice (small serpent) |
  |
Terror to all beholders | |
| Column |   |
Fortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom with fortitude | |
| Comet |  |
Unknown | |
| Community |     |
Friendship, cooperation, community | |
| Compass |   |
Direction | |
| Compony or Gobony |  |
Constancy | |
| Cornish Chough (crow, raven; See "chough") | Strategist in battle; watchful for friends; divine providence | ||
| Cornucopia (horn of plenty) |  |
The bounty of nature's gifts | |
| Cottice/Cotice (bendlet) |  |
Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defense or protection | |
| Coupeaux |  |
(Hills - usually three) Unknown; may be purely an artistic device | |
| Crane (Stork) |   |
Close parental bond; Vigilance if holding a rock | |
| Cramp |  |
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| Crescent |  |
One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (horns to the chief) | |
| Cresset (See "Beacon") | One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of danger | ||
| Crosier/shepherd's crook |  |
The shepherd's watchfulness; Christian faith; pastoral authority; also Episcopal jurisdiction and authority | |
| Cross |
(See Examples of Crosses) | Faith; Christianity; Service in the Crusades | |
| Cross (Celtic) | Unity of heaven and earth | ||
| Cross (Constantine's; Labarum) | Good omen; Christ; Christianity | ||
| Cross Crosslet | Signifies the fourfold mystery of the cross | ||
| Cross Crosslet Fitchee | A combination of cross and sword; unshakeable faith | ||
| Cross Flory (Patoncee) |
(cross flowered at each end) One who has conquered | ||
| Cross Formee (Pattee) | Military honour | ||
| Cross (Maltese) | Blessings; badge of Knights Hospitalier | ||
| Cross Moline | The mutual converse of human society (said to represent a millstone) | ||
| Cross Raguly | Difficulties encountered | ||
| Cross Roucy | Faith | ||
| Crossed thighbones (See Bones) | Mortality | ||
| Crow (See also "Chough") | Strategist in battle; watchful for friends; divine providence | ||
| Crown or Coronet |
(See Examples of Crowns) | Royal or seigniorial authority; prestige | |
| Crown (Mural) | (See Examples of Crowns) | Defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first mounted the breach in the walls of a fortress | |
| Crown (Naval) | (See Examples of Crowns) | One who first boarded an enemy's ship; distinguished naval commander | |
| Crown of thorns | (See Examples of Crowns) | Adversity | |
| Cup (often covered) |   |
Office of the king's butler | |
| Cushions |  |
Authority | |
| Cygnet (young swan) |  |
Where gorged with a crown around its neck, signifies dignity | |
| Cypress |  |
Death and eternal life thereafter | |
| Daffodil |  |
Regard; Chivalry, sunshine, respect | |
| Dagger or dart |  |
Justice and military honour | |
| Dahlia |  |
Dignity, elegance, togetherness forever | |
| Daisy |  |
Gentleness and innocence | |
| Dawle (black quatrefoil) | See "Quatrefoil" | Hope and joy | |
| Decrescent |  |
One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (crescent with horns to the sinister) | |
| Deer (See also Stag/Hart/Buck) |  |
One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony | |
| Dice |  |
Constancy | |
| Dill |  |
Irresistible | |
| Dog (See also Talbot) |                |
Courage, vigilance, and loyalty | |
| Dogwood |  |
Love and adversity | |
| Dolphin |   |
Swiftness, diligence, salvation, charity, and love | |
| Dove |    |
Loving constancy and peace; the Holy Spirit; with an olive branch in its bill, it signifies a harbinger of good tidings | |
| Dragon |
(See Examples of Dragons) | Valiant defender of treasure; valour and protection | |
| Drops (Guttees) |  |
One who has endured torrents of liquids,
as in battle, depending upon the color of the liquid. Yellow: gold Blue: tears Green: oil White: water Black: pitch or tar Red: blood |
|
| Drum |   |
Ready for war | |
| Duck (Also Teal) |
  |
Person of many resources | |
| Eagle |
(See Examples of Eagles) | Person of noble nature, strength, bravery,
and alertness; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and
judicious; "True magnanimity and strength of mind" acc. to Guillim. If wings "displayed," it signifies protection |
|
| Eagle with two heads | (See Examples of Eagles) | Conjoining of two forces | |
| Edelweiss |  |
Daring and noble courage; purity, immortality | |
| Elephant |     |
Great strength, wit, longevity, happiness, royalty, good luck, and ambition | |
| Elm |  |
Dignity | |
| Enfield |  |
Mythical beast said to have protected fallen chieftains' bodies for proper burial | |
| Ermine Spot |  |
Mark of dignity | |
| Escallop (scallop shell) |  |
Traveller to far places or victorious naval commander | |
| Escarbuncle |  |
Supremacy; brilliant gem | |
| Escutcheon or small shield, alone, with no charges |  |
Defense | |
Escutcheon of Pretence (Small shield in center of primary shield, as shown above.) |
Claim of a prince to sovereignty; or marriage to an heiress of the family | ||
| Estoile (star with six wavy points) |  |
Celestial goodness; noble person | |
| Eye |    |
Providence in government | |
| Falcon (Hawk) | (See Examples of Falcons) | One who does not rest until objective achieved | |
| Fasces |  |
A bundle or rods tied together around an axe, with the blade projecting out; Symbol of a magistrate's authority and the judiciary. (It appears on the reverse side of the U.S. Liberty-head dime.) | |
| Feathers |   |
(usually ostrich feathers) Sign of obedience and serenity | |
| Fer de moline (See millrind) |
Center of the millstone, by which it is turned | ||
| Fern |  |
Magic, fascination, confidence, shelter | |
| Fess/Fesse |  |
Military belt or girdle of honour; represents readiness to serve the public | |
| Fetterlock |  |
Victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of war | |
| Fife |  |
Ready for war | |
| Fig leaf |  |
Peace and plenty | |
| Finger, pointing | Direction; correct route | ||
| Fire/Fire-fighting |
(See also sample Firefighting Symbols) | Zealousness | |
| Fish |   |
A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment | |
| Flag or Pennant |  |
Refers to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant service | |
| Flanchi/flasque/flanches (Also flaunches) |
 |
Given by a king for virtue and learning | |
| Fleece (lamb's) |   |
Ancient honour from the knightly order of the Fleece of Gold | |
| Fleur-de-lis | (See Examples of Fleurs-de-lis) | Purity; light; floral badge of France; represents sixth son as mark of difference | |
| Flint stone |  |
Readiness for zealous service | |
| Flowers (See specific flowers) | Hope and joy | ||
| Fountain |   |
Usually a roundle, crossed with wavy bars of blue and white; represents water, a spring | |
| Fox |  |
One who will use all that he/she may possess of wisdom and wit in his/her own defense | |
| Fraises |  |
Strawberries; usually refers to the cinquefoil | |
| Fret (saltire through a mascle) |
 |
(Also, fretty or latticework) Persuasion |
|
| Fruit |  |
Felicity and peace | |
| Fusil (narrow lozenge) |
 |
Travel and labour | |
| Fusil of Yarn (yarn with the spindle) |  |
Negotiation | |
| Galley |  |
See Ship | |
| Gannet (duck without beak or legs) |  |
One who has to subsist by virtue and merit | |
| Garb (wheatsheaf) |   |
The harvest of one's hopes has been secured | |
| Garlic |  |
Protection, strength and courage | |
| Gauntlet |  |
Armed for the performance of martial enterprise | |
| Gavel |  |
Justice; legal authority | |
| Gem or Jewel |  |
Supremacy | |
| Geranium |  |
True friendship | |
| Gillyflower (tawney quatrefoil) |  |
Hope and joy | |
| Ginseng |  |
Passion, prosperity, permanence, health | |
| Globe |            |
Worldliness; world travel | |
| Goat |    |
One who wins through politics rather than war | |
| Gobony or Gobbony (See Compony) | Constancy | ||
| Goose |   |
Resourcefulness | |
| Gorged (around neck) |  |
High dignity | |
| Grape leaves | Plenty, freedom, rebirth | ||
| Grapes |  |
Liberality, felicity, and peace; also, association with wine-making and abundance | |
| Grasshopper |  |
Noble and home-bred | |
| Grenade |  |
One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle | |
| Greyhound |  |
Courage, vigilance, and loyalty | |
| Griffin | See Examples of Griffins | (Head, wings, and talons of an eagle with the body of a lion); Valour and death-defying bravery; vigilance; Guardian of treasure | |
| Gyronny |  |
Unity (six- or eight-part division of the shield) | |
| Hammer |    |
Honour; emblem of the smith's trade | |
| Hand |           |
Pledge of faith, sincerity, and justice; two right hands conjoined represent union and alliance |
|
| Hand, red |  |
Mark of a baronet | |
| Hare (see Rabbit) | One who enjoys a peaceable and retired life | ||
| Harp |   |
Well-composed person of tempered judgment; contemplation; mystical bridge between heaven and earth | |
| Harpy (virgin's face, neck and breast with the body of a lion) |
 |
Ferocity under provocation | |
| Hart (male deer) - See Stag/Buck | Peace and harmony | ||
| Hawk (Falcon) | (See Examples of Falcons/Hawks) | One who does not rest until objective achieved | |
| Hawks' lures: |  |
One who is fond of the highest pursuits, such as hunting and falconry | |
| Hazel branch or leaves |  |
Hope and joy; Communication, reconciliation and peace | |
| Head (Human) |  |
Honour; if the head of a "blackamoor" or Moor, refers to deeds of prowess in the Crusades | |
| Heart, Flaming |  |
Intense, burning affection | |
| Heart, Human |    |
Charity and sincerity | |
| Hedgehog |  |
"Provident provider" acc. to Sloane Evans | |
| Heliotrope |  |
Pleasure; Eternal love & devotion | |
| Helmet | (See Examples of Helmets) | When depicted on the shield, denotes wisdom and security in defense; strength, protection, invulnerability | |
| Hibiscus |  |
Delicate beauty | |
| Hind (female deer) |   |
Peace and harmony | |
| Holly |   |
Truth; Foresight and defense | |
| Horns | Strength and fortitude | ||
| Horse (See also Seahorse) |
See Sample Horses | Readiness for all employments for king and country | |
| Horseshoe |  |
Good luck and safeguard against evil spirits | |
| Hourglass |   |
Flight of time; mortality | |
| Housemark |  (example) |
Presumably adopted by the bearers as forms of unique identification of European homes | |
| Huitfoil (double quatrefoil) |
 |
Mark of cadency for the ninth son | |
| Human Head | |
Honour (if the head of a Blackamoor, it refers to deeds of prowess in the Crusades) | |
| Humettee |  |
Describes an element that does not touch the sides of the shield | |
| Hunting Horn |  |
One who is fond of the chase, of high pursuits | |
| Hyacinth |  |
Games, Sports, Playfulness | |
| Hydra (dragon with seven heads) |  |
Conquest of a very powerful enemy | |
Ichthus (Greek for "Fish") |
 |
Belief in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior | |
| Increscent/Increment |  |
One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (crescent with horns to the dexter) | |
Inescutcheon (See "Escutcheon of Pretence") |
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| Infinity Symbol |  |
Infinity | |
| Insignia - Marine Corps |  |
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| Insignia - Naval Academy |  |
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| Ivy Leaves |  |
Strong and lasting friendship | |
| Inkhorn or Inkwell |   |
Art of writing and educated employment | |
| Iris |  |
Faith, wisdom, friendship, hope, valour | |
| Jaguar |  |
Power, ferosity, and valor; the power to face one’s fears. | |
| Jasmine |  |
Attachment | |
| Jessamine (white quatrefoil) | See "Quatrefoil" | Hope and joy | |
| Jessant de lis |  |
With a fleur-de-lis shooting out, i.e., from the mouth of a leopard or lion; Represents dominion over France. | |
| Keys |  |
Guardianship and dominion | |
| Knight (especially on horseback) |   |
The soul guiding the body; man's journey through life | |
| Labarum (Constantine's Cross) |  |
Good omen; Christianity | |
| Label |  |
Indicates first-born. See Marks of Cadency | |
| Ladder (Scaling Ladder) |  |
One who was fearless in attacking; if against a tower, be on guard against spiritual and corporeal enemies | |
| Lamb or Ewe |   |
Gentleness and patience under suffering | |
| Lamb carrying staff or banner with a cross (paschal lamb) |
 |
Faith; innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spirit | |
| Lamp/Lantern (See also "Candle") |
   |
Light, life, and spirituality | |
| Lance or Javelin |  |
The perfection of martial affairs; emblem of knightly service; devotion to honour | |
| Laurel Leaves |   |
Peace and/or triumph; success, renown, glory and victory | |
| Lavender |  |
Constancy and loyalty | |
| Leg |  |
Strength, stability, and expedition | |
| Lemur |  |
||
| Leopard or Ounce |    |
Valiant and hardy warrior who enterprises hazardous things by force and courage | |
| Leopard's head swallowing a fleur-de-lis (jessant) | |
Represents the lion of England swallowing the lily of France | |
| Letter (i.e., A, B, C) |  |
May represent great battles or tournaments beginning with that letter | |
| Level |  |
Equity and upright action; virtuous person | |
| Lightning Bolt |  |
Swiftness and power | |
| Lilac |  |
Beauty, pride, youth, innocence | |
| Lily |  |
Purity; see "Fleur-de-lis" | |
| Linden branch or leaves |   |
Life, vitality, energy, resurrection | |
| Lion |
(See Sample Lions) | Dauntless courage | |
| Lion, heraldic |  (See Sample Lions) |
Bravery, strength, ferocity, and valour | |
| Lotus |   |
Mystery and truth; perfection, purity | |
| Lozenge or Lozengy |
 |
Honesty & Constancy | |
| Lunel (Four crescent moons facing each other) |  |
One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory | |
| Lupine |  |
Imagination | |
| Lure (hawk's) | |
One who is fond of the highest pursuits, such as hunting and falconry | |
| Lymphad (See also Ship) |  |
See Ship | |
| Lyre |  |
Contemplation; tempered judgment | |
| Man | Various meanings | ||
| Magnolia |  |
Nobility, perseverance, love of nature | |
| Maple leaf |  |
Gift-giving; bestowing honor | |
| Marigold |  |
Devotion and piety; Splendid beauty and sweetness | |
| Martlet (footless swallow) |
 |
Symbol of the fourth son (mark of difference); may signify one who has to subsist by virtue and merit, not inheritance | |
| Mascle (hollowed out lozenge) |
 |
Persuasiveness | |
| Masonic Square |  |
||
| Mastiff |  |
Courage, vigilance, and loyalty | |
| Matches |  |
(Usually in a roll and fired) Possible reference to one who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle | |
| Maunch (lady's sleeve) |  |
"For my lady's sake" | |
| Mermaid |  |
Eloquence | |
| Millpick |  |
Miller's tool | |
| Millrind (or millstone) |
 |
The mutual converse of human society; miller's tool | |
| Mint |  |
Virtue; Warm feelings | |
| Mitre (See Bishop's Mitre for more images) |  |
Authority | |
| Mole |  |
Unknown | |
| Monkey |    |
Unknown | |
| Moon |    |
Serene power over mundane actions | |
| Moor/Saracen/Turk |  |
Dates back to the Middle Ages when it was considered an honor to take a Moor's head | |
| Moor fowl or Moor-cock |  |
Association with the law or the legal profession | |
| Mortar Piece | One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle | ||
| Morning Glory |  |
Affection | |
| Mount/Mound (See "Coupeaux") |
 |
(Rounded terrace at base of the shield) Unknown; may be purely an artistic device | |
| Mulberries |  |
Liberality, felicity, and peace | |
| Mule |  |
Often borne by abbots and abbesses who have pastoral jurisdiction, but not real jurisdiction | |
| Mullet (Star) |
 |
Divine quality from above; mark of third son | |
| Musical Pipes |  |
Festivity and rejoicing | |
| Myrtle |  |
Love, mirth and joy | |
| Nettle Leaf |  |
"Sting of death" to all foes; pride, vanity | |
| Oak Garb or Sheaf |  |
The harvest of one's hopes has been secured | |
| Oak Tree, Leaves, Bush |  |
Great age and strength; Heroism and victory | |
| Oak Tree/Bush with Acorns |  |
Continuous growth and fertility | |
| Olive Branch or Leaves |  |
Peace and concordance; reconciliation | |
| Orange Blossom |  |
Marriage and fecundity; Virginity and innocence | |
| Orchid |  |
Magnificence | |
| Orle |
(example with roses) |
Circle of something; Preservation or protection | |
| Ostrich/Ostrich plumes |   |
Willing obedience and serenity | |
| Otter |   |
One who lives life to the fullest | |
| Owl | (See Examples of Owls) | One who is vigilant and of acute wit | |
| Ox |  |
Valour and generosity | |
| Pale/Palet/Pallet/Paly |
 |
Military strength | |
| Palm Branch |  |
Victory, justice, and royal honour; conquest, success and peace | |
| Palm Tree |  |
Righteousness and resurrection; victory; creative power and peace | |
| Pansy |  |
Thoughtful recollection | |
| Panther |   |
Fierce, but tender and loving to children and will defend her children with her life | |
| Papal Headdress |  |
Pope's Headdress | |
| Parchment/Scroll/Diploma |   |
Possible reference to academic or scholarly achievement | |
| Parrot |  |
Unknown | |
| Paschal Lamb | |
Faith, innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, resolute spirit | |
| Passion Nails |  |
Token of poignant suffering undergone by the bearer | |
| Pavilion |  |
Readiness for battle | |
| Peacock |  |
Beauty, power, and knowledge | |
| Peacock Feather |  |
Beauty, power, and knowledge | |
| Pear |  |
Felicity and peace | |
| Pegasus |     |
Poetic genius and inspiration; messenger of God | |
| Pelican |  |
Self-sacrifice and charitable nature; When feeding her young ("in her piety"), symbolizes the duties of a parent or parental love | |
| Pen |  |
Art of writing and educated employment | |
| Pennon or Flag | |
Refers to some special action in which it was captured or as a reward for gallant service | |
| Peony |  |
Healing | |
| Periwinkle (blue quatrefoil) | See "Quatrefoil" | Hope and joy | |
| Petunia |  |
Soothing presence | |
| Pheasant |   |
Person of many resources | |
| Pheon (Spear-head) |  |
Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battle | |
| Phoenix |      |
Symbol of resurrection | |
| Pig |  |
Fertility | |
| Pike (Fish) (See also Spear) |  |
A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment. | |
| Pile |  |
Represents large pieces of wood used in building bridges; engineering skills, builder; May represent a pennon or flag | |
| Pilgrim's Stave/Staff Palmer's Stave/Staff |
|
The shepherd's watchfulness; Christian faith; pastoral authority; also may refer to early pilgrimages to Jerusalem | |
| Pillar (See Column) | Fortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom with fortitude | ||
| Pincers |  |
Honour; emblem of the smith's trade | |
| Pine |  |
Death and eternal life thereafter | |
| Pine Cone |  |
Life | |
| Pineapple |  |
||
| Pipes (See Musical Pipes) | Festivity and rejoicing | ||
| Pitcher |  |
Office of service | |
| Plant |  |
Hope and joy | |
| Plow or Ploughshare |   |
Labouring in the earth and depending upon providence | |
| Plume of feathers | |
Sign of willing obedience and serenity of mind | |
| Plummet |  |
Equity and upright action; virtuous person | |
| Poinsettia |  |
Purity; Christmas | |
| Pomegranate Fruit |  |
Fertility and abundance; prosperity | |
| Poplar leaf |  |
Hope and joy | |
| Poppy (sanguine quatrefoil) |  |
Hope and joy; Imagination and dreaminess | |
| Portcullis (Castle Gate) |  |
Protection in an emergency | |
| Primrose (Cowslip) |  |
Innocence and youth; young love | |
| Proboscides |  |
Elephant trunks; usually represented in pairs; the elephant symbolizes longevity, strength, royalty, dignity, patience, wisdom, happiness, and good luck | |
| Pussy Willow |  |
Motherhood | |
| Quatrefoil (Primrose) |  |
Brings good tidings | |
| Rabbit (Conie) |   |
One who enjoys a peaceable and retired life | |
| Rainbow |  |
Good times after bad | |
| Ram |    |
Authority | |
| Raspberries |  |
||
| Rat |  |
Unknown | |
| Ratch-hound (small hound) |  |
Loyalty, courage, and vigilance | |
| Raven |   |
Divine providence | |
| Ray or Rayonnee |  |
Glory and spendour; fountain of life; intelligence and enlightenment | |
| Rhinoceros |   |
Ferocious when aroused | |
| Rhododendron |  |
Caution and wariness | |
| Rock |  |
Safety and protection; refuge | |
| Rose |       |
Mark of the seventh son; Hope and joy; see also meanings for specific colors of roses | |
| Rose, Red |  |
Grace and beauty; Love and desire | |
| Rose, White |  |
Love and faith; Charm and innnocence | |
| Rose, Yellow |  |
Infidelity and jealousy | |
| Rosemary |  |
Enduring love and remembrance; constancy, fidelity and loyalty | |
| Roundles | |
Gold or yellow: bezants or byzantine coins
(worthy of trust or treasure) White: plate (generosity) Green: pomme (apple) Purple: golpe (wounded) Blue: hurt or wortleberry Black: pellet, ogress, or gunstone (cannon ball) Red: torteau (communion wafer or manchet cake) Tawney: orange (tennis ball) |
|
| Rye |  |
||
| Sabre (See Sword) | Justice and/or military honour | ||
| Saddle |    |
Preparedness for active service | |
| Sage |  |
Wisdom, long life, esteem | |
| Salamander |  |
Protection | |
| Salmon (See Fish) |  |
||
| Saltire |  |
(St. Andrew's Cross) Resolution | |
| Savage/Saracen |    |
Believed to be related to service in the Crusades | |
| Scales |  |
Justice | |
| Scallop Shell (See Escallop) | See "Escallop" | ||
| Scroll (See Parchment or Diploma) | |||
| Sceptre |   |
The emblem of justice | |
| Scythe or Sickle |   |
The hope of a fruitful harvest | |
| Sea Horse/ Sea Dragon |    |
Power of the water | |
| Seal/Sea lion |  |
Dauntless courage at sea | |
| Seaweed |  |
Purity and leadership | |
| Seraphim |  |
(Angel with three pairs of wings) Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news | |
| Serpent/Snake/Lizard |      |
Wisdom | |
| Shacklebolt | |
Victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of war | |
| Shamrock |   |
Perpetuity; floral device of Ireland; also see Trefoil. | |
| Shield |  |
When borne on the arms, represents the defender | |
| Ship |         |
Ancient sea voyages | |
| Ship, Dismasted |  |
Disaster at sea | |
| Shofar |   |
Reminds us of the admonitions of the prophets and their calls to repentance | |
| Shutle (Weaver's Shuttle) |  |
Reference to the bearer's profession; i.e., textiles | |
| Skull |  |
Mortality | |
| Snail |  |
Deliberation and perseverance | |
| Snake (See Serpent) | Wisdom (see also Serpent) | ||
| Snapdragon |  |
Graciousness and strength | |
| Spear/Pike |    |
Honourable warrior; valiant knight | |
| Spear-head (See Pheon) | Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battle | ||
| Sphere |   |
Geographical or scientific reference | |
| Sphinx |  |
Omniscience and secrecy | |
| Spider |  |
Wisdom, labour, and prudence | |
| Spur or Spur Rowel |   |
Preparedness for active service; pressing onward | |
| Square Symbols |  |
Constancy | |
| Squirrel |  |
Lover of the woods | |
| Stag (Also Reindeer) |
   |
One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony | |
| Stag's Antlers | |
Strength and fortitude | |
| Star (estoile or mullet) |       |
Celestial goodness; noble person; Excellence |
|
| Steel | Readiness for zealous service | ||
| Stirrup |  |
Preparedness for active service | |
| Stool |  |
Hospitality | |
| Stork |   |
Filial duty; close parental bond; If holding a rock, symbolizes vigilance | |
| Sun |     |
Glory and splendour; fountain of life | |
| Sunflower |  |
Homage and devotion | |
| Swallow |  |
One who is prompt and ready in doing business; also bringer of good news | |
| Swan |  |
Poetic harmony and learning, or lover thereof; light, love, grace, sincerity, perfection | |
| Sword/Dagger/Dart Sabre/Cutlass/Scimitar |
|
Justice and military honour | |
| Table |  |
Hospitality | |
| Tabor (snare drum) |  |
Festivity and rejoicing; dangerous if aroused | |
| Talbot (hunting dog) (See also Dog) |  |
Courage, vigilance, and loyalty | |
| Tent |  |
Readiness for battle | |
| Terrace |  |
Unknown; May be purely an artistic device | |
| Thistle |  |
Defiance and surliness | |
| Thorn Leaf |  |
Irritation; nuisance | |
| Thyme |  |
Bravery, courage and strength | |
| Tiger |       |
Fierceness and valour; resentment; dangerous if aroused | |
| Tiger Lily |  |
Wealth and pride | |
| Torch |      |
Life; zealousness; engaging in signal service; truth and intelligence | |
| Tortoise |  |
Invulnerability to attack | |
| Tower |     |
Safety and grandeur | |
| Tree Trunk/Stump/Branch |   |
New life sprouting from the old | |
| Tree |        |
Life and the mystical connection of the earth with heaven and the underworld | |
| Tree of Life (Knowledge) |  |
||
| Trefoil or Shamrock (three-leaved grass) |
 |
Perpetuity | |
| Tressure |  |
Preservation or protection (prominent in the arms of Scotland) | |
| Tressure Flory Counterflory |  |
Signifies the close and longterm alliance between France and Scotland | |
| Trestle |  |
Hospitality | |
| Trident |   |
Maritime dominion | |
| Trumpet |  |
Ready for war | |
| Tulip |  |
Imagination and dreaminess; Fame and perfect love | |
| Unicorn | See Sample Unicorns | Extreme courage; virtue and strength | |
| Vine |  |
Strong and lasting friendship; Peace and plenty; luck and strength | |
| Violet |  |
Modesty, virtue, affection, faithfulness, love | |
| Vol (Set of Wings) |
|
Swiftness and protection | |
| Vulture |  |
Purification and maternity; also, virginity (in Christianity) | |
| Walnut Leaves |  |
Hope and joy | |
| Water Lily |  |
Eloquence and persuasion | |
| Water Bouget |  |
One who carried water to an army or a besieged place | |
| Wheat-Ear |   |
Faithful | |
| Wheat Garb or Sheaf |  |
The harvest of one's hopes has been secured | |
| Wheel |  |
Fortune; cycle of life | |
| Willow (Weeping) |  |
Pliancy; Serenity & Friendship; Patience & Perseverence | |
| Wings (See also "Vol") |   |
Swiftness and protection | |
| Wisteria |  |
Welcome; playful spontaneity | |
| Wolf |       |
Reward from perseverance in long sieges and/or hard industry | |
| Woodbine Leaves |  |
Love that does not injure that which it clings to | |
| Woman |
|
Various meanings | |
| Wreath of laurel leaves (and berries) |    |
Triumph | |
| Wren |  |
Freedom | |
| Wyvern (Dragon with only two legs and armed tail) |
  |
Valour and protection | |
| Yew |  |
Death and eternal life thereafter; Faith & resurrection | |
| Zinnia |  |
Lasting affection, constancy, goodness, remembrance | |
Not sure where to begin? Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind.
DESIGN LEVELS: BASIC, DELUXE, and PREMIUM
Our services include custom-designed coats of arms, crests, and logos for individuals, schools, religious organizations and church leaders, and businesses.
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