What do the symbols mean in a family crest? There are hundreds of different symbols, and each one has it’s a specific meaning behind it. The science of heraldry involves learning about all the meanings of each symbol.
There are plenty of websites that contain a list of what all the symbols mean. Experts in heraldry have been known to disagree about exactly what a particular symbol means. There are some commonly held beliefs connected to each symbol, but there are also disputes about those meanings.
Each coat of arms will have it’s own colors. The color gold means generosity. Silver, or white, both refer to sincerity and peace. A coat of arms that has the color red has the symbol for warriors or martyrs, and also for military strength. Blue is for loyalty. (It may also mean truth, or strength). Green is all about joy, hope, and loyalty in love. Black, of course, means grief. It also means constancy. Purple refers to royalty, majesty, sovereignty, and justice. This is no surprise, as many of us think of purple as a royal color. Orange is the color of worthy ambition. Maroon stands for being victorious in battle, (and may also refer to being patient while in battle). At least a few of these colors will appear on your family crest, or coat of arms.
Your family crest may or may have some animals. A bear stands for fierce protection, especially of one’s family. A tiger is the symbol for fierceness and valor. A wolf means perseverance through great difficulties, and implies a victory over these difficulties, due, at least in part, to that perseverance. A stag, buck or deer all symbolize being a lover of harmony, and peace. Snakes (or serpents) and lizards symbolize wisdom. A fox is another symbol for wisdom. Turtles, on the other hand, represent invulnerability. Dogs, (or talbots, or greyhounds), are the symbols of courage, fidelity, and loyalty. To me, this sounds exactly like what I would expect a dog to symbolize. Boars (or hogs, or pigs) might be depicted in one of two ways. If the entire pig appears, it symbolizes bravery, and being a fierce fighter who will fight to the death. If only the head of the boar appears, it doesn’t mean the same thing. Heads of boars represent hospitality. Lions are the symbol for fierce courage.
Sometimes, animals that do not exist in reality may appear on a coat of arms. A griffin has the head and wings of an eagle, and the body of a lion. It is the symbol of a valiant soldier. A dragon, on the other hand, is a valiant protector and defender. These are just a few of the symbols that can be on a family crest.
Image by scazon on Flickr