The coat of arms is ... The meaning of the word, the types and history of the origin of the arms

The coat of arms is the main distinguishing mark of various structures, countries and even people. How is this word interpreted? How did the arms appear? What are their types?

The coat of arms is ... Definition of a word

The coats of arms appeared a long time ago and were usually used as an identification mark. Now they together with the flag and anthem form the basis of the national symbolism of any modern country in the world. The word "coat of arms" means a distinctive sign or emblem that is inherited. It displays the main features, objects, colors that are peculiar to the owner, and can refer to a person, a family, a region, a class, a country, etc.

A coat of arms is a composite image that can include several figures that have symbolic meaning for its owner. The use, status and image of the emblem are determined in accordance with the historically established order. The history and meaning of arms is studied by the special science of heraldry.

Where did the term "coat of arms" come from? The meaning of the word from the German language is translated as "inheritance", there it sounds like Erbe. In the East Slavic countries (Belarus, Ukraine, Russia) the word most likely came from the Polish language (herb), already in a modified form.

History of origin

People have always been surrounded by different symbols. The habit of using images of animals, plants, weapons as a generic sign is deeply rooted. Thus, the prototypes of the arms were Indian totems, Asian tamgas.

Many ancient emperors and conquerors also chose different images for personal armor and weapons. For example, the symbol of Alexander the Great was a sea horse. All these signs were arbitrary and often changed.

The first arms appear around the 10th century in the era of the Dark Ages. Familial emblems of royal persons were placed on the seal, served as a painting on important documents. The development of the heraldic tradition is facilitated by the appearance of the Crusades and knight tournaments.

For knights, the coat of arms is the main identification mark, which was placed on armor, shields, raincoats, horse horseclothes. At the end of the 12th century, the arms became widespread. There were heraldic canons and specialists who understand this. Each noble family had its own coat of arms, which was inherited, mostly in the male line.

Types of coats of arms

The wide distribution and development of heraldic art contributed to the emergence of many varieties of arms. They are distinguished by their legal status, styles, ranks, membership, etc. There are state and municipal emblems. They are considered official symbols, which are assigned to countries, their cities and regions at a legal level. Their description and meaning, as a rule, is recorded in state codes of laws.

In the Middle Ages, family crests arose , which still exist in some notable families. They are divided into noble, civil, philistine and peasant. Before the appearance of the patrimonial arms there were personal ones that belonged to a specific person.

Corporate coats of arms refer to individual enterprises, orders, workshops, clubs, schools. They declare about history and significance, about past achievements and the current position of the organization that they represent. Their arms are, for example, old universities, such as Harvard, Cambridge and others.

Composition of the coat of arms

Since the appearance of the arms is associated with chivalry, the terminology in heraldry is directly related to medieval military armor. The details that make up the coat of arms are a shield, crown, helmet, crest, shield holders, namet, mantle, burlet, foundation and motto. Flags, pennants, a banner, a standard and a flag can also be present.

The main composition of the emblem is placed on the shield, it can have Byzantine, French, German, Italian, Polish, rhombic, round and other forms. On the sides are usually placed shield holders. It can be various animals, mythical creatures, angels, people. The shield itself can be on the base or a small platform, under which the motto of the owner, written on the tape, is usually found.

Above the shield is a crown or a helmet with a crest, which differ according to the status of the owner. The helmet sometimes places a burlet (tissue tourniquet), namet (raincoat with uneven edges). The coat of arms of the monarchs and sovereigns is encircled by a royal mantle.

Symbolism

The main rule of the emblem is symbolism. Each figure, image and color should have a direct connection with the owner of the emblem and display his character, traits, aspirations. Behind figures and flowers in heraldry are fixed certain values.

The symbols of ruling dynasties often became an eagle, signifying power, foresight, wisdom, a lion, signifying strength and courage. The symbol of the empire was a two-headed eagle. Many state and municipal arms depicted valuable local animals or endemics. For Botswana, these are zebras, for Australia - kangaroos and ostrich, Botswana chose swordfish and flamingos.

The colors on the coats of arms are also nonrandom. Gold is usually a symbol of empires and kingdoms, means generosity, wealth and justice. Silver color is equal to white and means purity. Blue or azure is a symbol of purity and beauty, green is a sign of hope, black is humility. Red color in heraldry means suffering, as well as strength, courage and courage.