The family crest, also known as the coat of arms, enjoys a long and interesting history dating back to ancient times. In fact, the Greeks and African warriors were known to have put special markings on their shields long before Christianity ever existed. The family crest as we have come to know it, however, did not begin to develop until the time of the Crusades of the 1100's.
Creating the Family Crest from Necessity
Though looked upon today as a novelty item or as a way to connect to past generations, the family crest was originally developed out of pure necessity. During the time of the Crusade, men from a number of countries joined together in battle. In order to survive, it became necessary to form a quick and easy method for visually identifying one another. After all, closed helmets and suits of armor made it virtually impossible to differentiate one person from the next.
In response to this basic need to survive, English knights began wearing special marks on their armor. These symbols were referred to as "arms". This idea caught on quickly throughout all of Europe. Over time, the family crest was added to the surcoats, which were pieces of cloth worn over the armor in order to help keep the armor cooler. The practice of embroidering the family crest, which included symbols and marks referred to as arms, onto these surcoats resulted in the term "coat of arms".
The Rise of Heralds
As the number and variety of family crests began to grow, it became necessary to designate certain individuals to keep track of them. Those people who were responsible for memorizing the knight's arms and for announcing them to the public during special ceremonies and events were known as heralds. These heralds were considered to be the masters of ceremonies at all public competitions and, over time, they actually became appointed by the court to the position.
Keeping the Peace
The job of the herald also slowly evolved into that of playing peacekeeper. As ideas for coat of arms designs diminished, it became increasingly common to duplicate family crests. As a result, the very knights that were called upon by the king to work together in protecting the royal crown were battling one another over the rights to the family crest. Obviously, this was not a desirable situation. As such, heralds were called upon by the king to settle these disputes by verifying and recording the coat of arms. In addition, the Royal regulation of 1419 as established by Henry V of England gave the heralds the power to deny the use of a particular family crest.
Developing a Unique Language
In order to better keep track of the multiple family crests being created, heralds created their own unique language. This language was used to describe the symbols of the family crest, which were officially called the Blazon of Arms. Each of these descriptions was catalogued in the College of Arms that was used throughout the world. These historic records held the same legal binding as deeds. As such, their registration can be researched even to this day and used by anyone with the ability to understand the language developed by the heralds.
As an example, the Tierney family crest is catalogued as "Azure two lines rampant or, supporting a sword proper". In the heraldic language, this means the family crest is a shield with a blue (azure) background containing two gold (or) rampant lions that are holding a sword. Furthermore, these colors and symbols each have their own special meaning. The azure, for example, represents truth and loyalty while the or stands for elevation of mind and generosity. Similarly, the lions are representative of courage and of strength.
Additional Uses of the Family Crest
In addition to being used by knights to identify one another in battle, the family crest was used for a variety of other purposes. For example, the family crest was generally easier to recognize than the written word. In addition, many people during the time of their development were unable to read and to write. Therefore, the family crest was routinely engraved in a ring, which the wearer used in order to create his or her official signature on documents.
The coat of arms was also routinely used in wedding ceremonies in order to symbolize the joining of two families. By displaying the family crest of both the bride and the groom, the importance of both families was easily demonstrated to the families and friends of the happy couple. Today, they can be used in much the same way.
Jewelry has been used by men and women for wealth storage and for personal adornment for tens of thousands of years. Heraldic jewelry, such as the family crest ring, has roots squarely grounded hundreds of years ago, in the Middle Ages. In those long-ago times, several specific types of heraldic jewelry were designed for practical reasons as well as for their beauty. A prime example is the family crest ring.
During the Middle Ages, family crest rings were beautiful pieces of jewelry that were used by members of the nobility to identify themselves as lords of the manor. Family crest rings can still be used to signify family membership, although now they are also used as a decorative fashion accessory.
Designs Used in Family Crest Rings:
The surface of the top of a family crest ring is engraved with a graphic, heraldic device called a family crest. Some people use the term "family crest" interchangeably with the heraldic terms "coat-of-arms" or "family shield." But technically, a family crest is only one component in the design of a coat-of -arms, usually the uppermost portion that stands on top of an armor helmet that is depicted in the coat-of-arms. The stylized representations which we now think of as being family crests originated as displays sitting atop actual armored helmets worn by knights during Medieval battles and tournaments.
A variety of patterns, colors and devices may be used in family crests, with some of the more common devices being a hand or arm holding a weapon, a lion, a horse, a dragon, or an eagle's or other bird's wings. Each of the components of a family crest has a specific meaning, and together they tell a story about the progenitor of that family and his deeds. No matter which elements are used in the design of family crests, they are always symbolic,stylistic and stunning.
Family Crest Rings Can Be Useful As Well As Beautiful:
Although the need to identify themselves by wearing family crest rings has long past, many individuals even today wear family crest rings as a means of symbolically linking to their family history and heritage. In countries where the noble class still exists, family crest rings can also be a status symbol - they serve as an instant identifier of the wearer's level in society. Even today, a fine family crest ring is a uniquely appropriate gift for a man or woman of high accomplishment or high social status.
Family crest rings are often made of precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum. The arresting appearance of high-quality pieces, with their intricately engraved detail, captivates anyone who sees one. Their visual appeal can be enhanced even more if they are enameled with vivid colors or set with precious gemstones.
Family crest rings have become extremely popular because of their attractive designs and the family history that they signify. The pageantry and the magnificence of the Medieval world are quickly brought to mind by these beautiful rings with their highly stylized, intricate designs.
History and heritage, perfectly and beautifully symbolized by family crest rings.
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Marie Christianson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Writing, Family and Computers and The Internet. Marie Christianson is a senior business analyst at . Visit the FamilyDetails.com. Marie Christianson's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
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