Family crests are part of the ancient tradition of heraldry, which is the art and science of designing, displaying, and recording coats of arms and other symbols of nobility and honour. A family crest is a small image that usually appears on top of a helmet or a coronet in a coat of arms, and it represents the achievements, values, and lineage of a family. In this essay, I will explore the rules of heraldry, the structure and meaning of family crests, some examples of famous family crests, and the relevance and fun of creating a family crest in the modern world.

The Rules of Heraldry

Heraldry originated in the medieval times, when knights and nobles used coats of arms to identify themselves and their allies in battles and tournaments. Coats of arms were also used to mark property, seal documents, and display social status. To ensure that each coat of arms was unique and recognizable, a set of rules and conventions was developed by heralds, who were experts in the field. Some of the main rules of heraldry are:

• The coat of arms should be simple and clear, avoiding unnecessary details and complexity.
• The coat of arms should be symmetrical and balanced, following the principle of "contrariety", which means that the colours and metals should contrast with each other, and the charges (the symbols on the shield) should be placed in a harmonious way.
• The coat of arms should follow the "rule of tincture", which means that the colours (red, blue, green, purple, and black) should not be placed on each other, nor should the metals (gold and silver) be placed on each other. The colours and metals have different meanings and associations, such as courage, loyalty, justice, wisdom, and wealth.
• The coat of arms should respect the "law of precedence", which means that the elements of the coat of arms should reflect the rank and dignity of the bearer, and that the older and more honourable coats of arms should be given priority over the newer and less honourable ones.
• The coat of arms should be registered and recorded in an official authority, such as a college of arms or a heraldic council, which grants and regulates the use of coats of arms and ensures their authenticity and legitimacy.

The Structure and Meaning of Family Crests

A family crest is one of the components of a coat of arms, which usually consists of a shield, a helmet, a crest, a motto, and sometimes other elements, such as supporters, a crown, a wreath, a mantle, and a badge. The family crest is the most prominent and distinctive part of the coat of arms, and it is often used as a simplified symbol of the family. The family crest is usually placed on top of the helmet, which indicates the rank and status of the bearer, and it is often surrounded by a wreath, which is a twisted band of cloth or foliage that holds the crest in place. The family crest can be any kind of image, such as an animal, a plant, a weapon, a cross, a star, or a combination of these.

• The family crest has a specific meaning and symbolism, which can be derived from the following sources:
• The origin and history of the family, such as the place of birth, the occupation, the deeds, the alliances, and the events that shaped the family's identity and reputation.
• The characteristics and virtues of the family, such as the personality, the values, the beliefs, the goals, and the aspirations of the family members.
• The heraldic language and rules, which assign specific meanings and interpretations to the colours, metals, shapes, positions, and numbers of the elements of the family crest.

Some examples of the meanings of family crests

• A lion, which is one of the most common and popular symbols in heraldry, represents courage, strength, royalty, and nobility.
• A cross, which is another common and universal symbol in heraldry, represents faith, devotion, protection, and sacrifice.
• A rose, which is a symbol of beauty, love, and grace, but also of blood, war, and martyrdom, depending on the colour and the number of petals.
• A sword, which is a symbol of justice, authority, and military honour, but also of violence, aggression, and death.
• A star, which is a symbol of celestial guidance, inspiration, and glory, but also of ambition, aspiration, and fame.

Some Famous Family Crests

Family crests are not only a matter of personal and family pride, but also of historical and cultural significance. Many families have contributed to the development and progress of society, and their family crests reflect their achievements and legacy. Some examples of famous family crests are:

• The family crest of the Medici, one of the most influential and powerful families in the history of Italy and Europe, which features six red balls on a gold field, with one of them being blue and containing three gold fleur-de-lis. The origin and meaning of this crest are uncertain, but some possible explanations are that the balls represent coins, pills, or iron balls, and that they symbolize the family's wealth, medical profession, or military prowess. The blue ball with the fleur-de-lis was added by Pope Leo X, a member of the Medici family, to honour his allegiance to the French king.
  
  
• The family crest of the Washington, one of the most prominent and respected families in the history of the United States of America, which features two red bars and three red stars on a white field. The origin and meaning of this crest are also unclear, but some possible explanations are that the bars and stars represent the family's ancestral lands in England, or that they symbolize the family's loyalty, honour, and courage. The crest was adopted by George Washington, the first president of the United States, and it inspired the design of the American flag.
  
  
• The family crest of the Rothschild, one of the most wealthy and influential families in the history of banking and finance, which features a shield divided into four quarters, each containing a different symbol: a lion rampant holding a shield with a star and an arrow, a unicorn rampant holding a shield with a cross and a shell, a griffin segreant holding a shield with a wheel and a rose, and a stag lodged holding a shield with a tower and a scallop. The origin and meaning of this crest are based on the personal crests of the five sons of Mayer Amschel Rothschild, the founder of the family's banking empire, who established branches in different European countries. The crest represents the family's unity, diversity, and success.
  
  

The Relevance and Fun of Creating a Family Crest in the Modern World

Family crests may seem like a relic of the past, but they are still relevant and fun in the modern world. Family crests can help people to:

• Discover and appreciate their family's heritage and identity, by learning about their ancestors' stories, achievements, and values, and by connecting with their roots and traditions.
• Express and celebrate their family's uniqueness and personality, by choosing symbols, colours, and words that reflect their family's characteristics, virtues, and goals, and by creating a distinctive and memorable image that represents their family.
• Share and communicate their family's legacy and vision, by displaying their family crest on their belongings, documents, and online platforms, and by explaining the meaning and symbolism of their family crest to others.

Creating a family crest can be a fun and creative activity for the whole family, as it involves researching, designing, and crafting a personal and meaningful symbol. There are many resources and tools available online to help people to create their own family crests, such as websites, books, and software. However, the most important thing is to use one's imagination and inspiration, and to have fun with the process.

Conclusion

Family crests are more than just decorative images. They are powerful symbols of heritage and identity, that can tell a lot about a family's origin, history, character, and legacy. Family crests are also a way of expressing and celebrating one's family's uniqueness and personality, and of sharing and communicating one's family's legacy and vision. Family crests are a valuable and enjoyable part of family history and culture, and they can be created and appreciated by anyone who is interested in their family's past, present, and future. Share your family tales with our passionate artists! Create your own legacy! Custom family crest you can wear, hang, or gift it to your loved ones. https://famcrest.com/