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This section of our site is intended to provide you with additional information regarding the Coat of Arms and the various items which it includes in it's makeup. For the sake of simplicity and understanding we will at times use more modern, or more commonly used, terms in our descriptions. An example being our graphic immediately below. While we refer to it as a Coat of Arms, it is actually a Full Achievement of Arms. The difference being that the Coat of Arms technically consists of only the Shield portion and the charges which are on the shield while the Full Achievement of Arms includes the Crest, Mantling, Motto, Name, Supporters, and the Helm. But, common usage today for display purposes includes all of those in the term Coat of Arms which is what we shall do here as well.

In the graphic below we have labeled the primary sections of the Coat of Arms and below the graphic you will find some more detailed descriptions of those sections as well as links to additional pages with even greater detailed information.


 

 
MOTTO A motto is fairly common, but is not a required element. In the cases where a motto is present it is up to the artist as to the scroll style (if any), the lettering style, and it's relative placement on the Coat of Arms.
CREST Originally the crest was the ornament of the helmet, or headpiece, and also afforded protection against a blow. In the early rolls it was scarcely noticed, but in later armorial grants it came into general use.
WREATH / TORSE The roll or chaplet above the shield, supporting the crest. It is supposed to represent a twist of two silken cords, one tinctured like the principal metal, the other like the principal color, in the arms. Wreaths may also be circular, but the straight wreath is by far the more common.
HELMET The helmet is borne above the shield and beneath the crest. Initially it is believed that it was used to denote the rank of the wearer, but more recently it is the within the discretion of the artist which helmet is used.
SHIELD There are more than one word which refer to the shield, the primary ones being shield or escutcheon which refer to the physical form itself. Next is the term Field which refers to the surface of the shield, or if the surface is sectioned by being quartered or impaled it refers to each section Separately. The style of the shield and the angle at which it is displayed are the artists choice.
MANTLE / MANTLING It is believed that the mantle is representative of the fabric used to protect the helmet from the elements, ie sun, rain, etc. Most often it is displayed behind the rest of the Coat of Arms and is displayed using the same colors as in the wreath.
SUPPORTERS Many Coat of Arms will have what are referred to as Supporters, one on each side of the shield in either an upright position facing forward or in a profile position leaning against the shield. Supporters can be animals or persons which have some influence of the bearer of the arms.
SHIELD ELEMENTS Again there are many terms which refer to the designs on the face of the shield itself. We have several pages which will provide additional information which are in the links at the left and bottom of the page. We are currently working on creating these pages and have broken them up into several sections in an effort to keep the load time to an acceptable speed. The sections are: TINCTURES - covers the metals, colors, and furs in the Coat of Arms. ORDINARIES - these are the most basic patterns utilized on the face of the shield to break it into sections. CHARGES - there are several pages of charges. Charges are the objects displayed on the surface, or field, of the shield which makes it truly unique for each individual Coat of Arms. We have covered many of the primary charges and will be adding to them as time passes.
BLAZON The blazon in the term used to describe the textual description of the Coat of Arms. It uses a phrasing unique to Heraldry and covers only the crest, helmet, and shield of the coat of arms.

 

Tinctures for the Coat Of Arms
Metals, Colors, and Furs

  Metals

Metals consist of Gold, commonly called Or, and Silver, commonly called Argent

 

Gold
Or





Gold / Or
Symbol of : Understanding, Respect, Virtue, Majesty, Generosity.
Planetary : Sun
Precious Stone : Topaz
Engraving : Small dots on background.




 

Silver
Argent





Silver / Argent
Symbol of : Cleanliness, Wisdom, Innocence, Chastity, Joy.
Planetary : Moon
Precious Stone : Pearls
Engraving : none - blank.




  Colors

The colors shown below are representative of the colors used though there will be some variations in the actual colors in individual coats of arms. The designs next to each color came into use later for engravers to use to indicate the colors in their work.

 

Red
Gules





Red / Gules
Symbol of : Eagerness to serve ones country. Warrior and Martyr
Planetary : Mars
Precious Stone : Ruby
Engraving : Vertical Lines




 

Blue
Azure





Blue / Azure
Symbol of : Fidelity, Steadfastness, Strength, Loyalty
Planetary : Jupiter
Precious Stone : Sapphire
Engraving : Horizontal Lines




 

Black
Sable





Black / Sable
Symbol of : Mourning, Constancy
Planetary : Saturn
Precious Stone : Diamond
Engraving : Horizontal and Vertical Lines - crosshatched




 

Green
Vert





Green / Vert
Symbol of : Freedom, Beauty, Joy, Health, Hope
Planetary : Venus
Precious Stone : Emerald
Engraving : Diagonal Lines "in bend"




 

Purple
Purpure





Purple / Purpure
Symbol of : Majesty, Justice, Sovereignty
Planetary : Mercury
Precious Stone : Amethyst
Engraving : Diagonal Lines "in bend sinister"




 

Orange
Tenne





Orange / Tenne.
Symbol of : Worthwhile Ambition
Planetary : None
Precious Stone : None
Engraving : Vertical Lines with Diagonal lines "in bend"




 

Blood Red
Sanguine





Blood Red / Sanguine
Symbol of : Earth Colors. Victorious, Patient in battle
Planetary : Interior of Planet / Dragons Head
Precious Stone : Hyacinth
Engraving : Diagonal Lines both "in bend" and "in bend sinister"




  Furs

Use of Fur generally indicates a mark of dignity. Typically the fur of the Weasel is used in these representations.

 

Ermine


Ermines

Ermine - White with Black Spots

Ermines - Black with White Spots

 

Erminois


Pean

Erminois - Gold with Black Spots

Pean - Black with Gold Spots

 
Vair

Vair - Blue and White bell shaped objects.

 

Ordinaries of the Coat Of Arms

  An ordinary is considered to be a charge, or bearing, of simple form.
The ordinaries, or as they are called by the majority of heraldic writers, honorable ordinaries, are thought to be nine in number as follows:

Chief, Cross, Pale, Saltire, Fesse, Pile, Chevron, Quarter, and Bend.
 
In some areas they also call the Bend Sinister an ordinary and to keep with the idea that there are only nine ordinaries they then call the Quarter a sub-ordinary, or a diminutive. We will display both bends here.

 

BEND



BEND
SINISTER

The BEND is drawn typically covering 1/5th of the shield running from the upper right corner down to the lower left of the base. If the portion of the shield that the BEND covers also contains a bearing, or charge, it may cover 1/3rd of the surface.
Stands for Defense or Protection

The BEND SINISTER covers the same area of the shield, but is run from the upper left corner down to the lower right of the base.
Marks Royal descent that is barred from succession to the throne by illegitimacy.

 
CHEVRON


The CHEVRON represents the roof of a house, derived from the French word 'chevron' meaning rafter. The CHEVRON used to almost reach the very top of the shield and then more nearly attained the 1/3 of the surface of the shield that was allotted to it by the guidelines of heraldry. Now it is drawn lower and with a less acute inner angle to allow more devices to be represented more attractively, and an artist may draw the chevron at the height and angle that will best suit the accompanying charges.
Stands for Protection

 
CHIEF


The CHIEF is a broad band across the top of the shield that stands for authority and domination of will. The CHIEF theoretically contains the upper 1/3 of the shield, although it rarely actually does.
Stands for Dominion and Authority.

 
CROSS


One of the earliest and noblest of the honorable ordinaries. The CROSS is drawn with two bars which run horizontally and vertically across the center of the shield with each bar being 1/5th the width of the shield. There are a large variety of crosses which may be found in heraldry and we will display the majority of them ones on the crosses page
Stands for Protection


 
FESSE


A bar placed horizontally across the shield, occupying one-third of the shield. This bar may have charges placed on it and typically divides the shield into thirds.
It represents a Military Belt or girdle of Honor.




 
PALE


A bar placed vertically down the center of the shield, occupying one-third of the field. This bar may have charges placed on it and typically divides the shield into thirds.
Stands for military strength or fortitude.




 
PILE


The PILE is a wedge shaped section with the wide portion at the top of the shield and running to the bottom center point of the shield. When this is drawn plain it is generally 1/5th the width of the shield at the top, when it has charges it is then typically 1/3rd the width of the shield at the top.
Stands for military strength or fortitude.



 
QUARTER


The QUARTER is a field covering 1/4th of the shield. It is normally placed to cover the upper right hand portion of the shield and if placed in any other position it must be specified in the blazon.
It is a bearing of Honor.



 
SALTIRE
The SALTIRE is a combination of the BEND and the BEND SINISTER in the form of an X. It is sometimes referred to as a Saint Andrews Cross.
Most frequently stands for protection.



 

Crosses

The armorial sign of the cross is unique in Christendom. It is the first common sign under which the West gathered. The cross became an established standard after Constantine's victory over Mantius in A/D/ 312. The use of the cross on arms belong to the time of the first crusades, in which the principal nations of Christendom are said to have been distinguished by crosses of different colors: and it is naturally found to be most frequently employed in the insignia of religious foundations. The fact that the Crusaders embarked on the western coast of the Mediterranean is marked by the presence of the cross in many of the coats of arms which are found there.

 

Christian Cross
Faith; service in the Crusades. Also known as the cross of St. George, it is one of the earliest crosses. It is sometimes referred to as a Greek Cross


Cross Fillet
Represents achievement in battle. Also dominion and authority


Cross per Fess
Represents readiness to serve the public. Tinctures chosen give additional meanings.


Cross per Pale
Signifies defensive military strength. The tinctures chosen give additional meanings


Cross Quartered
Represents readiness to fight for Christianity. Tinctures chosen give additional meanings


Cross Gyronny
Represents unity. The tinctures chosen give additional meanings


Cross Gyronny of Sixteen
Represents unity. The tinctures chosen give additional meanings


Cross Faceted
Represents the many facets of Christianity


Cross Counter-Compony
Also described as Chequy. It symbolizes intellectual challenge. It is a frequent sign used on small inns. It is possible that this design gave the name to the game of chess.


Cross Fretty
Represents persuasion - as of the Christian message


Cross Double Voided
Represents a knight of the Crusades. The tinctures chosen give additional meanings.


Cross Cotised
Designed to represent the suspender of a knight, signifying defense or protection. Tinctures chosen give additional meanings.


Cross Fimbriated
Most common in French arms. Represents one who faithfully served in the crusades. Most often found in ancient blazoning. The tinctures chosen give additional meaning.


Saltire or
St. Andrew's Cross
Symbolizes resolution and persuasion. Most often found on Scottish Arms.


Cross Couped
Faith; service in the Crusades. The white cross on the red ground was the symbol of the Holy Kingdom. Other countries adopted this symbol as evidence of their missionary zeal. The Order of the Knights Templar adopted the red cross on a white cloak as their symbol.


Cross Saltire Couped


A form of St. Andrew's Cross - Symbolizes resolution and persuasion

Passion Cross
This is the basic Christian Cross. It is a long cross or Latin cross, meaning that is with the lower limb longer than the other three. Represents the passion of Christ.


Passion Cross (2)
Passion Cross with both bars the same length. - Meaning similar to Passion Cross


Patriarchal Cross
An ancient cross which has two horizontal bars instead of one. It is so named because it represents the ancient Patriarchs of Jerusalem that bore this kind of cross. After the Crusades it was borne by the Patriarch of Constantinople.


Patriarchal Cross
with third bar
Cross adopted by the Pope of Rome. Symbolizes the church.


Russian Cross
Similar to the Patriarchal Cross with third bar. The symbol was adopted and modified by Knightly Orders in Russia.


Cross Formy
Represents military honor. One example is found as early as Henry III.


Cross Pattee Concave
Sign of a military leader who has accomplished great deeds. It is also said to be used as a mark of cadency in France.


Cross Formy Couped
Military honour


Cross Potent
The Cross Potent, written sometimes potence (fr. potencée): so called because its arms terminate in potents, or like crutches. Similar to the Jerusalem Cross, it symbolizes the five wounds of Christ.


Jerusalem Cross
So named from its occurrence in the insignia of the kingdom of JERUSALEM, established by the Crusaders, the crosses are believed to symbolize the five wounds of Christ.


Cross Crosslet
Signifies the fourfold mystery of the cross. May also refer to families who engaged in the Crusades


Cross Degraded
This is the Cross of Calvary with the steps or degrees on each end of the cross. The number of steps is often four, and sometimes as many as eight. It represents Christianity, and faith in the mystery of the cross.


Cross Calvary
Cross Calvary (also known as the Holy Cross and sometimes referred to as a Latin Cross) symbolizes faith and Christianity. It is said that the three steps are symbolic of the three Christian graces: Faith, Hope and Charity. Some writers have suggested that the bearer took the arms in consequence of having erected such a cross at Rome.


Cross Moline
Signifies the mutual converse of human society. It is said to represent a millstone or a fer-de-moline. It is sometimes a mark of cadence representing the eighth son. It is also known as a Miller's Cross.


Cross Recercely
A cross where the ends have been "voided." It is believed to represent one who was injured in battle.


Cross Moline Quarter-pierced
The mutual converse of human society (said to represent a millstone)


Cross Maltese
(cross with eight points)
Represents blessings; A cross of this form is the badge of Knight's Hospitalier and the badge of the knights of Malta, and of some other religious orders. The points are imagined to symbolize the eight beatitudes. Also found as the symbol for the Order of St. Stephen. If the cross is in white, it may represent the Military Order of Maria Theresa


Cross Flory
or Fleuretty
A cross flowered at each end. Represents one who has conquered. The flowers signify purity and innocence.


Cross of any Iberian Order of Knighthood
Three particular Orders of note are (1) the Order of the Knights of St. John - began at a hospital and took care of Crusade pilgrims. (2) Teutonic Order - which admitted only knights from countries belonging to Germany. (3) Order of the Knights Templar - mainly French knights, adopted this cross in the early years when they were extremely poor. Later they became very wealthy and powerful and changed their symbol to the Cross Couped. The Templars were abolished by the King of France, but some of the other Orders still exist.


Cross Gringoly
This cross is used only in French heraldry. It is a cross with the heads of snakes issuing from the ends. It is said to signify the ability to devour those who attack the cross.


Cross Fourchy
It is found in ancient blazon, particularly in the time of Henry III. It is believed to represent the cross of a miller.


Cross Fitchee
(cross pointed at base)
A combination of cross and sword; unshakeable faith.


Cross Bottony
Symbolizes the past and the future of the gospel of Christianity. Generally found on French arms. The name is derived from the French bouton, a bud or knob. It is a cross ending in three lobes like the trefoil leaf, and occurs rather frequently.


Cross Pommy
A plain cross terminating in four round pomels - like the knob at the end of swordhilts or the knobs at the top of the pilgrims' staves. It represents the supremacy of Christianity and the valiant knight who fights for it.


"Key" Cross
Also known as Cross Clechee. It is similar to the Cross Toulouse which is the insignia of that city. It is assumed that the bearer of either of these crosses was a crusader from the area of Toulouse.


Cross Toulouse
Appears in the insignia of the city of Toulouse. Suggests a crusader from that area.


Cross Barby
The ends of the cross represent hooks and may symbolize military duty at sea


Cross Formy Fitchee Couped
A combination of cross and sword; unshakeable faith


Cross Fitchee Double Couped
A combination of cross and sword; unshakeable faith


Cross Indented
Represents fire. May represent holy fire in battle


Cross Engrailed
The symbol of land or earth. May represent a crusader who sought to take Christianity throughout the earth


Cross Invected
The symbol of land or earth. May represent a crusader who sought to take Christianity throughout the earth


Cross Bretessed
A form of the Engrailed cross. The symbol of land or earth. May represent a crusader who sought to take Christianity throughout the earth


Cross Embattled / Counter Embattled
Represents Holy assault against the walls of a town.


Cross Raguly
Difficulties encountered, perhaps in the name of Christianity.


Cross Raguly Counter Raguly
Difficulties encountered, perhaps in the name of Christianity


Cross Raguly and Trunked
Difficulties encountered, perhaps in the name of Christianity


Cross Wavy
Represents the mystery of the cross


Swastika Couped in Saltire
Swastika is the Sanskrit word for Fylfot. It is a symbol of felicity.


Fylfot
Once considered as a good luck charm


Fylfot Clubbed
Good luck charm


Cross Celtic
Unity of heaven and earth


Tau Cross or
Cross of St. Anthony
St Anthony is represented with such a cross embroidered upon the left side of his garment. It is said to represent a token of absolution with which the depraved are said to have been stamped on the hand. It should be drawn like a Greek Tau.


Egyptian Cross
More currently known as the Ankh. It is believed to symbolize life.


 

Lines of Separation

 
For our examples we have used the ordinary of the Fesse though these same designs could be applied to any of the ordinaries.

 

Engrailed
Represents earth & land


Invected
Represents earth & land


Wavy
Represents the sea or water


Nebuly
Represents clouds or air


Indented
Represents fire


Dancetty
Represents water


Embattled
Represents fire, or the walls of a fortress or town


Dovetailed
Represents the defense of a fortress or town. The design is also known as Ghibelline Battlements.


Potenty
Symbolizes one who was injured in battle. Potent is an ancient name for crutch.


Raguly
Represents difficulties which have been encountered.


Urdy
Searching for representation description


Rayonne
Represents the rays of the sun. Symbolizes glory and splendor.


Fir Tree
top section
Used in later Coats of Arms, primarily by persons from the Finland and the Scandinavian countries


Fir Twig
section
Used in later Coats of Arms, primarily by persons from the Finland and the Scandinavian countries


Cloverleaf
section
A favorite line of partition in Ireland


Fleury Counter Fleury
Frequently used in Scotland. AKA Double Tressure

 

Marks of Cadency for a Coat Of Arms
First through the Sixth
 

Just as the original intent of a Coat of Arms was to distinguish one knight from another (since they were in armor with a helm protecting and also hiding their features), it was also necessary to provide distinctive bearings for different members of a family all entitled to bear the paternal arms. This gave rise to the use of Marks of Cadency, or differences (called by the French brisure.)

The eldest son (during the lifetime of his father) bears a label of three points; the second son, a crescent; the third, a mullet; the fourth, a martlet; the fifth, an annulet; the sixth, a fleur-de-lis.Some historical documentation carries that out to the tenth with the seventh bearing a rose, the eighth a cross moline, the ninth an anchor, and the tenth a double quatrefoil.

The graphics below shows each of the Marks of Cadency and then below that is a group of examples displaying how the original Coat of Arms might look along with each of the Marks of Cadency then being displayed as well.
 
Original Coat of Arms
First Son
Second Son
Third Son
Fourth Son
Fifth Son
Sixth Son



Coat of Arms for Individual Countries
 

Although coats of arms for towns and countries have been traced back to the twelve tribes of Israel, in early medieval days the symbols representing a country were those of the sovereign of that country. Thus coats of arms for a country could be altered somewhat by each succeeding monarch. It is also common for a country's coat of arms to incorporate symbols from countries they have conquered.

 
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Aquitane
Aquitane
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Aragon
Aragon
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Austria
Austria
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Baden
Baden
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Bavaria
Bavaria
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Belgium
Belgium
Brabant
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Bohemia
Bohemia
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Brittany
Brittany
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Burgundy
Burgundy
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Castile
Castile
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Croatia
Croatia
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Dalmatia
Dalmatia
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Danzig
Danzig
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Denmark
Denmark
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - England
England
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Finland
Finland
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Flanders
Flanders
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - France
France
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Franche Comte
Franche Comte
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Frisia
Frisia
(modern)
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Germany
Germany
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Great Britain
Great Britain
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Hainault
Hainault
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Hanover
Hanover
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Hesse-Cassel
Hesse-Cassel
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Hesse-Darmstadt
Hesse-Darmstadt
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Holland
Holland
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Holy Roman Empire
Holy Roman Empire
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Hungary
Hungary
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Ireland
Ireland
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - The Isles (Hebrides)
The Isles
(Hebrides)
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Japan
Japan
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Leon
Leon
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Limburg
Limburg
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Lorraine
Lorraine
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Luxembourg
Luxembourg
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Mainz
Mainz
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Majorca
Majorca
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Malta
Malta
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Mecklenburg
Mecklenburg
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Milan
Milan
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Modena
Modena
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Monaco
Monaco
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Munster
Munster
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Namur
Namur
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Navarre
Navarre
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Netherlands
Netherlands
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Norway
Norway
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Nurnburg
Nurnburg
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Oldenburg
Oldenburg
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Osnabruck
Osnabruck
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Parma
Parma
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Pisa
Pisa
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Poland
Poland
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Pomerania
Pomerania
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Portugal
Portugal
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Prussia
Prussia
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Ragusa
Ragusa
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Rhine - Palatinate
Rhine
Palatinate
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Russia
Russia
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Sardina
Sardina
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Savoy-Italy
Savoy - Italy
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Saxony
Saxony
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Scotland
Scotland
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Serbia
Serbia
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Sicily
Sicily
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Silesia
Silesia
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Spain
Spain
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Speyer
Speyer
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Sweden
Sweden
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Switzerland
Switzerland
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Order of Templars
Order of Templars
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Order of Teutonic Knights
Order of
Teutonic Knights
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Tyrol
Tyrol
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Toulouse
Toulouse
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Trier Genoa Padua
Trier Genoa Padua
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Turkey
Turkey
SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Tuscany
Tuscany
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Venice
Venice
  SomewhereInTyme Country Shield - Wurttenberg
Wurttenberg

Symbols

  A
Acorn

The sign of the acorn represents independence, strength and antiquity in its bearer. The acorn is usually vert (green) but it can also be other colors.
Ailetts

A small shield attached to the shoulder of an armed knight. Also known as emerasses. It is a symbol of one who was a knight banneret.

Allerion

Signifies one who having been maimed and lamed in war, was thus prevented from fully asserting his power. An eagle without a beak or feet, and with wings expanded, their points turned downward. (Denoting imperialists vanquished and disarmed
Allocamelus

An allocamelus is a creature with the head of a donkey joined to the body of a camel. Some referred to it as an ass-camel. Although extremely uncommon, it is believed to represent patient perseverance.

Altar

A tall circular pedestal, generally borne inflamed. Represents glory, burning devotion and spirituality.

Anchor

The anchor is the emblem of salvation, hope, and religious steadfastness. It is a frequently used symbol for the coat of arms of a family with a seafaring tradition. Thus, it is a common figure in English armory and for some families along the coasts of Scotland.

Angel

The angel is always shown in full aspect, with the wings extended and the point up. It represents the bearer of joyful news. It also symbolizes dignity, glory and honor. The symbol of an angel may also indicate missionary work of supporting others