Heraldic Meanings

Specific symbols and terms hold rich heraldic meanings, offering insight into the symbolism adorning each crest. 

Here are some key charges (symbols) in heraldry along with their typical meanings.

• Lion: Symbolizes bravery, strength, and valor. It's a widely used charge representing royalty, courage, and leadership.
• Eagle: Often signifies strength, courage, and majesty. It can also represent freedom and vision.
• Cross: Represents faith, spirituality, and Christianity. Different variations of crosses (such as Latin, Maltese, or Celtic crosses) can hold specific meanings.
• Fleur-de-lis: Symbolizes purity, light, and French royalty. It's a stylized lily and is often associated with France and its monarchs.
• Crown: Represents authority, sovereignty, and leadership. Crowns in heraldry come in various forms, each denoting different ranks or statuses.
• Sword: Symbolizes justice, military honor, and strength. Depending on the orientation of the sword can determine its meaning. With the point  upmost,  It can represent defense or readiness for battle. With the hilt upmost it can signal capitulation.
• Tree: Signifies life, growth, and wisdom. Different trees (oak, pine, etc.) might hold additional meanings based on their symbolism.
• Ship: Represents travel, adventure, and navigation. It can symbolize a voyage, exploration, or maritime pursuits.
• Mullet (Star): Often symbolizes divine quality, guidance, or honor. Multiple points on the star can represent various virtues.
• Unicorn: Represents purity, grace, and power. In heraldry, the unicorn is often depicted as a horse-like creature with a single, spiraling horn.

Here are some key terms:

• Dexter & Sinister: Refers to right and left from the shield bearer's perspective, not the viewer's.
• Armed: Represents claws
• Langued: Signifies a tongue.
• Gardant & Regardant: Faces forward and backward, respectively.
• Dormant: Symbolizes a sleeping position
• Passant: Depicts a walking stance.
• Proper: Denotes natural colors found in nature.
• Attired & Displayed: Signifies stag's antlers and wings outstretched.
• Urvant: Depicts an elevated head
• Erased: Mimics a torn-off appearance.
• Couped: Symbolizes a cut-off depiction.
• Vulning: Specific to pelicans, depicts drawing blood to feed chicks.
• Naiant & Volant: Represent swimming and flying, respectively.
• Gorged: Depicts a collar around the neck.

Understanding these charges and terms unveils the intricate heraldic symbols  and nuanced representations within heraldry, enriching the significance of each element adorning a crest.