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Knowledge Of
Family Crests and Coats of Arms
Family Crests and Coats of Arms
Heraldry is defined as the hereditary art or science of blazoning, the description is appropriate technical terms of Coats-of-Arms and other heraldic and armorial insignia, and is of very ancient origin. These insignia were the reward of personal merit and could be secured by the humblest as well as the highest. They are today the testimonials and warrants of bravery, heroism, and meritorious deeds of our ancestors.
Arms: Shields at first were painted simply with one or more bands of color or 'Ordinaries’. Later, the ordinaries were used in conjunction with other figures or symbols; e.g. beasts, birds, fish, flowers, celestial objects, monsters, etc. Heraldry was thus rapidly enriched through the constant necessity to achieve Distinction.
Crest: This device was worn on top of the helmet, and was usually made of wood, metal, or boiled leather. It provided the double advantage of easy identification and addition of height to the wearer. In heraldry today, the crest and arms are usually displayed together.
Motto: The motto generally evolved from the watchword or war cry of the family. Often The motto contained an allusion to a memorable event in the family history; the "Bruce" motto 'Fuimus' (Latin-'We were') refers to the fact that the Family was once the kings of Scotland.
Torse (torso or Wreath): The torso was formed by two pieces of silk twisted together by the lady who chose the bearer for her knight, and was used to hold the crest and mantling in place on the helm. The tinctures of the torso are always those of the principal metal and color of the arms, with the exception being in continental heraldry.
Helm (Helmet, Casque, or Morion): These varied in shape in different ages and countries, and always in the case of titled arms.
The Esquire Helm, as depicted in family arms, is always with closed visor and facing to the left.
Mantling: The mantling was spread over and draped from the helmet, and served as protection, "to repel the extremities of wet, cold, and heat, and to preserve the Armour from rust".
The numerous cuts and slits indicated that it had been torn and hacked in the field of battle, and betokened a certain evidence of prowess.
The Salvatore
Coat of Arm's
Coat of Arm's
Origin of the Salvatore Name: Italian
Color's
White (Argent) Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules) Warrior or Martyr; Military Strength & Magnanimity
Gold or Yellow (Or) Generosity and elevation of the mind
Heraldic Symbols & Meaning's
Continental Shield
Meaning Pride, Power, and Honor
The Fleur-de-lis
Purity; light; floral badge of France; represents "sixth" son as mark of difference
Legend of the Fleur-De-Lis
The English translation of "Fleur-De-Lis", sometimes spelled, "Fleur-De-Lys" is referred to "Flower Of The Lily" This "flower" symbol, is a stylized lily or lotus flower, has many meanings. Within tradition, it has been used to represent French and Italian Royalty. We have seen other Royalties use this "flower" within their Traditions as well. It is to be said that it signifies perfection, light, and life! Legend has it that an angel presented Clovis, the Merovingian King of the Franks, with a golden lily as a symbol of his purification upon his conversion to Christianity. Others claim that Clovis adopted the symbol when water lilies showed him how to safely cross a river and complete his battle.
Heraldry The Fleur-De-Lis
During 20th century, either King Louis VI or King Louis VII (some sources disagree) became the first French monarch to use the "Fleur-De-Lis" on his shield. Later on English kings used this symbol on their coat of arms to emphasize their claims to the throne of France. Within the 14th century, the "Fleur-De-Lis" was often used as the families' insignia and was sewn on the knight's sur-coat; which was worn over their coat of mail, which came known as, "The Coat of Arms." The purpose of this was to identify the dead in battle.
- Joan of Arc carried a white banner that showed God blessing the French royal emblem, the fleur-de-lis, when she led French troops to victory over the English in support of the Dauphin, Charles VII, in his quest for the French throne.
- The Roman Catholic Church ascribed the lily as the special emblem of the Virgin
- Due to its three "petals," the fleur-de-lis has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity.
- Military units, including divisions of the United States Army, have used the symbol's resemblance to a spearhead to identify martial power and strength.
Eagle
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!" If wings are "displayed," it signifies protection!
Helmet
When depicted on the shield, denotes wisdom and security in defense; strength, protection, invulnerability
Plume of Feathers (Above Helmet)
Sign of willing obedience and serenity of mind
Star's
Celestial goodness; noble person; Excellence
