Heraldry Symbols

Colors

• Black: Sorrow or grief.
• Blue: Loyalty.
• Gold: A giving nature.
• Green: Hopefulness.
• Orange: Valued.
• Purple: Justice.
• Red: A fierce warrior.
• White: Peaceful and honest.

Heraldic Lines

• Dancette Line: Signifies a watery environment.
• Embattled Line: The walled boundaries of a town.
• Engrailed Line: Firm land.
• Indented Line: Signifies the element of fire.
• Invected Land: Solid earth.
• ANebuly Line: Signifies cloud formations.
• Raguly Line: Signifies trials that have been faced.
• Wavy Line: Ocean or body of water.

Heraldic Ordinaries

• Bend Sinister: A thick horizontal line that travels from left to right on a shield. The design is used as a sign for defense.
• Chevron: A shield that displays an upside down V coming up from its lower section. This design implies a protective force.
• Chief: A shield that features smaller shields in its design. The quality that goes along with this design is one of authority.
• Fess: A thick band running horizontally across a shield that indicates its bearer is prepared to serve.
• Pale: A shield with a thick line that runs vertically over its center portion. This design refers to the strength of military forces.
• Pile: A shield with a triangle in its upper portion which refers loosely to building bridges.
• Saltire: A shield that shows a cross in a diagonal position. This is a design that signifies resolution.

Common Charges

• Anchor: Hope or religious faith.
• Ant: Wise in action.
• Anvil: An honorable nature.
• Apple: Happiness and joy.
• Arrow: Prepared for battle.
• Bat: Knowledge of the influences of dark powers.
• Baton: Represents authority.
• Bear: Possession of strength.
• Beaver: A willingness to work with persistence.
• Boar: Ferocity in battle.
• Camel: A willing patience.
• Cat: Freedom or bravery.
• Cloud: Signifies hidden truths.
• Crow: An organizing presence in a fight.
• Dog: Signifies a loyal quality.
• Dove: Peace, love.
• Dragon: A guardian of treasure.
• Drum: Prepared for battles.
• Eagle: Strength, power.
• Elephant: Cleverness and positive fortune.
• Falcon: Indefatigable persistence.
• Fife: Prepared for battle.
• Flower: Hopefulness.
• Fox: A savvy defender of self.
• Grapes: Harmony.
• Grasshopper: Home-centered.
• Griffin: Great courage and a watchful eye.
• Hammer: Signifies a sense of honor.
• Hatchet: Signifies a sense of duty to the military.
• Hawk: Unfailing courage.
• Lamp: Signifies life.
• Lion: Tremendous bravery in battle.
• Marigold Flower: Devoted and loyal.
• Mermaid: An ability to be well-spoken.
• Musical Instrument: Joyfulness.
• Owl: Extremely watchful.
• Peacock: Wise and appealing.
• Pillar: Dedication.
• Pine Cone: New life.
• Poppy flower: A sense of happiness.
• Rainbow: The sure return of peaceful times.
• Red Rose: Attractive and graceful.
• Rhinoceros: A worthy opponent when antagonized.
• Rock: A place of safety.
• Salamander: Implies a sense of security.
• Stag: Valiant in battle, when a battle is necessary.
• Sun: Bestows life.
• Swan: Harmony and a sincere nature.
• Torch: Signifies things that are real and true.
• Vine: The constancy of friendship.

For more information on heraldry and researching family crests, the following resources may be helpful:

• Heraldry Symbolism: Facts on the symbolism and colors of heraldry.
• Information about Heraldry: Interesting collection of information on the days of heraldry
• People Search: Using a people search tool can help you research relatives and ancestors.
• Learn about Heraldry and its History: A detailed look at heraldry including its symbols and other intriguing historical facts.