Heraldic Charges

Charges Ordinaries (common heraldic charges) Principles (mythical and real figures) Colors Partitions of the Shield

Ordinaries (we are working on the images) Image Meaning Bend Represents a shoulder belt of armament or scarf worn around the shoulder crossing over the breast and under the arm. Bezant Pieces of gold or silver found on pilgrimages to Byzantine (ancient name of Istanbul). Chevron Consisting of two diagonal stripes meeting at an angle usually with the point up.  Presumably adapted from the bow of the war saddle which rose high in front. Crescent A half moon with points upward. One of the major celestial charges. Fesse Generally represents the military belt and girdle of honor of the ancients Fleur-de-lis The three leaves are said to represent faith, wisdom and valor.  This is one of the most highly regarded charges among royalty and those of nobility.  The charge is an adaptation of the lily. Mascle An open lozenge said to be the piece on which armor is fastened. Mullet Star-shaped and significant as a mark of honor and achievement. Pale Denotes military strength and fortitude, and is bestowed on defenders of cities and supporters of government. Pile Represents large pieces of wood used by engineers in fortifications and bridge construction.  Given to military leaders for significant deeds. Saltire Said to be the cross of St. Andrew, symbolizing a suffering for a faith and enduring hardships.  Also represents a scaling ladder. Torteau A round figure representing a cake of bread eaten before long battles. Trefoil Flowers or herbs of three leaves representing the emblem of fertility. The ancient Romans adorned their arms and the chaplets of the victorious with trefoils.

Principles (we are working on the images) Image Meaning Acorn Independence Anchor Faith Apple Good luck Arm Power Arrow Authority Axe Strength Bear Ferocity Bee Industry Boar A champion among wild beasts, he encounters enemies with noble courage, thus symbolizing the traits of bravery and perseverance. Boat Venture Bull Protection Chalice Redemption Crane Vigilance Cross Dedication Crown Royalty Dog Fidelity Dove Faith Dragon or Wyvern  The most valiant of horned creatures with a keen sense of sight which affords him the ability to guard riches and treasures. Eagle This is the most common of feathered charges.  The black eagle is said to be the bravest--an emblem of magnanimity and fortitude of mind.  Used by the Romans and later the Teutons because of its strength and color visibility. Escallops A widely used device, symbolic of pilgrimage and venture to foreign lands.  Because the shells, once separated, can never be rejoined, it is representative of inviolable fidelity. Falcon or Hawk Frequently found in the arms of nobility and often considered more excellent in armor than four footed beasts because this creature utilizes earth, sea and air. Fasces Authority (fasces: a bundle of rods and among them an ax with projecting blade borne before ancient Roman magistrates as a badge of authority. click here for an image) Fish and Marine Suitable marks for military families to indicate prowess and fortitude.  Since fish never sleep, and swim upstream against currents, they are symbolic of the forces of industry and science. Griffin A principle charge signifying valor, vigilance and perseverance. Hawk or Falcon Frequently found in the arms of nobility and often considered more excellent in armor than four footed beasts because this creature utilizes earth, sea and air. Heart Gentleness Horn Protection Horse Alacrity (cheerful readiness) Key Knowledge Knife Sacrifice Knot Longevity Lion Because of his heraldic qualities, the lion is called the "King of Beasts," and is used as an emblem of strength, courage and generosity as well as power and royalty.  His noble posture in a coat of arms is to be erect in rampant position. Mace Authority Marine images see Fish Martlet A bird without legs, signifying that it cannot leave the ground, and so makes its nest in the rocks and castles from which it can easily take flight. Millrand Purposeful Mount Steadfast Pelican Sacrifice Serpent Defiance Stag Purity Tower Defense Unicorn This mythical creature is prized and esteemed for its virtue as well as its strength.  Its haughty spirit and willingness to die rather than be subjugated makes the unicorn a popular heraldic charge. Wyvern or Dragon The most valiant of horned creatures with a keen sense of sight which affords him the ability to guard riches and treasures.

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