The word "Heraldry" is derived from the German "heer" -- a host, an army -- and "held" – a champion. The term "blason," by which the science of heraldry is denoted in French, English, Italian, and German, is probably derived from the German word "blazen" – to blow the horn. This knowledge of the various devices and symbols was called Heraldry, and as the announcement was accompanied with the sound of a trumpet, it was termed "blazoning the arms." The earliest coats of arms were fairly simple -- bars or wavy lines, a lion rampant or an eagle displayed, or an arrangement of fleurs-de-lis. The designs became more complex as the years passed, and the practice of quartering (incorporating the arms of other families acquired through marriages) developed. Regardless of their origins, coats of arms became military status symbols, and their popularity increased along with the popularity of the tournament, which was developed in the mid-eleventh century in France. By 1400 A.D., bearing a coat of arms had become a prerequisite to participation in a tournament, and due to the importance of social standing in such pageants, a coat of arms also became a mark of noble status.

There are literally hundreds of different symbols that can appear on coats of arms. The colors that are chosen and even the shape of the shield itself can be of significance to the family. The use of animals and images on the shields meant different things at different times to different people. The colors that were used however were more constant as were the shapes on the shields:

Purpure Purple Justice, Sovereignty, Regal

Gules Red Warrior , Martyr , Military Strength

Azure Blue Strength , Loyalty

Vert Green Hope , Loyalty in Love

Sanguine Maroon Victorious , Patient in Battle

Tawny Orange Worthwhile Ambition

Sable Black Constancy , Grief

Or Gold Noble, the Sun. Originally

Argent Silver Sincerity, Peace, the Moon

Chief a bar across the top of the shield Dominion, authority, wisdom,

Pale a center column on the shield – Military strength, fortitude

Bend a column from a top corner to A Knights scarf - signifies Defense

Fess a center column - left to right Signifies the Military Belt - represents Honor

Chevron a column shaped like the signifies Protection, faithful service

Cross self-explanatory, top to bottom, Christian, one who had served

Saltire an x shaped cross going St. Andrew's cross, signifying Resolution

Pile A "V" shape on the front Wood used in bridge building

Canton a small square located in A flag 'added' to the arms, and

Bordure a border around the shield Honor, as used to differentiate between

Shield: The colors and charges are a part of the blazon. Shield shapes vary according to the geographical origin as well as the time period.

Mantle: This is said to represent the clothe that hung from the wreath and protected the back of the head and neck, even though it may often be depicted more like the leaves of a plant.

Supporters: Two animals, birds or persons appearing on either side of shield

Crest: The crest is whatever appears above the helm. (Note that there is not always a crest for every coat of arms.)

Helm: The helmet varies with the bearer's rank or the century.

Wreath: The wreath usually consists of the primary color and metal.