Heraldic Charges

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.