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The practice of representing people with symbols is ancient, and in England this habit evolved

with feudal society into a system of distinctive devices on shields. The heralds developed an
extensive armory that had the important function of distinguishing members of the upper class
from each other, whether at court or on the battlefield. Since then, heraldry has grown into a
complex field with many rules and a terminology that requires some knowledge to interpret.

blue shield Azure (derived from the French word for "blue") represents the color of
an eastern sky on a clear day. It also corresponds to the metal tin. The word, azure was
introduced from the east during the Crusades. It signifies piety and sincerity, and is equated
with autumn. In engravings it is represented by horizontal lines.
Symbolic Virtues: Blue denotes calmness and power of reflection. It infers nobility of the soul
and signifies Loyalty, Justice and Courage. The color has also long been associated with
purity and love, since the times when brides wore blue ribbons to the chapel.
Precious Stone: Turquoise
Planet: Jupiter
Obligations: Help for the servant

three "Three" devices, beasts or ordinaries of the same have a special significance in
heraldry. First of all, there is the obvious reference to the Trinity in the design that would
signify observance of the Christian doctrine. Secondly, with many Arms it brings balance that
is steeped in tradition. To better understand this latter scenario, we must look at the evolution
of shield in personal armory. Kite shields that were the most popular from the the 10th-14th
century evolved into Heater shields that had flat tops c. 1250. This was the time of heraldry's
beginnings and when "three" objects were used for balance in each corner of the shield. Later,
Bunce
Coat of Arms
A blue shield with three blue eagles on a silver fesse between
three silver boars.
Crest
A blue demi boar with a red broken spear, headed silver,
through its neck.
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with the advent of the "chief," "chevron" and "bend" three devices brought balance to these
ordinaries too.

eagle The eagle was a symbol born by men of action, occupied with high and weighty
affairs. It was given to those of lofty spirit, ingenuity, speed in comprehension, and
discrimination in matters of ambiguity. The wings signify protection, and the gripping talons
symbolize ruin to evildoers. The eagle is held to represent a noble nature from its strength and
aristocratic appearance, as well as its association with the ancient kings of Persia, Babylon and
the Roman legions, having been the official ensign of those empires. Since then, other empires
and nations have also adopted the eagle as their symbol, such as the German third Reich and
the empire conquered by Napoleon. The eagle is also associated with the sun. As a Christian
symbol, the eagle represents salvation, redemption and resurrection. The eagle has been
represented over the centuries in a variety of different ways: wing tips pointed up or down,
wings closed or rising or the eagle displayed from above with one or two heads. Parts of the
eagle such as the head, wings, legs or talons, are also often symbols in heraldry. The claw of a
bird and leg of a bird are always taken to be that of an eagle unless specified otherwise, and the
eagle leg borne on a shield or coat of arms is said to signify that the "preyer upon others has
been preyed upon," though this is highly uncertain. An interesting form of the eagle is the
alerion, which is drawn without the beak or the legs. It is thought to represent a formerly
great warrior who was seriously injured in combat and is no longer able to fight. The osprey
may also be classed with the eagle. It is always represented as a white eagle and is referred to in
heraldry as a sea-eagle.

silver Argent (from the French for silver), or silver is one of the two metals used in
heraldry. It is usually represented on a shield by the colors gray or white. This metal represents
nobility, peace and serenity. It is associated with the qualities of purity and chastity, because
the metal withstands the test of fire.

fesse The fesse is a broad, horizontal band across the center of the shield that represents the
military belt and girdle of honor of the ancients. It signifies that the bearer must always be in
readiness to act for the well being of the people. It is supposed to occupy a full third of the
height of the shield, though it is seldom drawn this way, and it is subject to the lines of
partition. Its position is directly across the center of the shield unless the fesse is described as
enhanced or abased. There can only be one fesse on a shield. If more than one is present then
they are termed bars.

boar The boar is the symbol of intrepidness. A champion among wild beasts, he
encounters enemies with nobility and courage, and has thus come to signify the traits of
bravery and perseverance. The boar is a fierce combatant when at bay and never ceases to resist,
even when cornered. This device was given only to those considered fierce warriors. A wild
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boar is referred to as a sanglier, though there isn't actually any difference from a domestic
boar in the way that it is drawn. A boar may be drawn whole in various different positions or
couped. The head of a boar is sometimes drawn erect, with the snout pointing directly up.

blue Azure (derived from the French word for "blue") represents the color of an eastern
sky on a clear day. It also corresponds to the metal tin. The word, azure was introduced
from the east during the Crusades. It signifies piety and sincerity, and is equated with
autumn. In engravings it is represented by horizontal lines.

demi Demi refers to a charge of which only the upper half is shown. Demi beasts were
probably derived from their use in crests where space was limited. However, from these
beginnings, the demi beasts were later found on the arms for many surnames as the upper
portion of the animal in most cases was the most ferocious and combative.

red Gules, derived from an Old French word goules or gueules meaning "throats"
translates into modern English as "red" and is the military color for excellence and fortitude. It
is symbolic of nobility, boldness and ferocity, and can also represent fire and summer. Some
ancient laws restricted its use to princes and their families. Red corresponds to the metal copper
and is denoted in engravings by numerous perpendicular lines.

broken weapons Broken weapons are a symbol of the suspension of war and have
long been used by knights who have taken vows of peace.

spear The spear, lance or tilting-spear is an emblem of knightly service that signifies
devotion to honor and chivalry. The broken spear is a symbol of peace. On the other hand, the
javelin, is a deadly device of ancient origin, first made of iron and later of fine steel. It is said
to represent dexterity and nimbleness of wit, a person able to penetrate and understand matters
of the highest consequence. The spear is distinct from the lance, javelin and the heraldic
tilting-spear, in that it is always drawn with a sharp point for warfare, instead of blunt, as it
would have been for a tournament.

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Copyright 1998-2014 Swyrich Corporation. All Rights Reserved
www.houseofnames.com 888-468-7686

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