Every coat of arms tells a story. The animals, objects, and patterns on a heraldic shield are not random decorations — each one was chosen to represent something specific about the bearer and their family. Understanding these symbols is like learning to read a visual language that has been in use for nearly a thousand years.
Why Symbols Matter in Heraldry
When a knight was granted a coat of arms in medieval Europe, every element was selected with purpose. A lion said something different than an eagle. A red shield carried a different message than a blue one. The combination of symbols told the world who you were, what you valued, and what your family had accomplished.
These symbols are called charges in heraldic terminology. They are placed on the shield (the central element of any coat of arms) and can include animals, plants, objects, and geometric patterns.
Animals (Beasts & Birds)
Beasts
- Lion: Courage, strength, royalty, and valor. The most common animal in European heraldry. A “lion rampant” (standing on hind legs) is especially associated with Scotland.
- Bear: Strength, cunning, and fierce protection of family.
- Stag/Deer: Peace, harmony, and one who will not fight unless provoked.
- Wolf: Perseverance and valor in long sieges or difficult campaigns.
- Horse: Readiness for duty, speed, and military service.
- Boar: Bravery, fights to the death, a warrior who will not retreat.
- Fox: Wit, wisdom, and a person who will use strategy over brute force.
Birds
- Eagle: Power, authority, and true courage. Common in German, Polish, and Austrian heraldry.
- Falcon/Hawk: One who does not rest until the objective is achieved.
- Swan: Grace, purity, and poetic harmony.
- Pelican: Self-sacrifice and devotion to family.
- Raven/Crow: Constancy, knowledge, and divine providence.
Mythical Creatures
- Griffin: Half eagle, half lion. Combines courage with vigilance.
- Dragon: A defender of treasure, a powerful protector. Common in Welsh heraldry.
- Unicorn: Purity, extreme courage, and virtue. One of Scotland’s royal symbols.
- Phoenix: Resurrection, immortality, and rising from adversity.
- Wyvern: Similar to a dragon but with two legs. Represents valor and protection.
Objects & Weapons
- Sword: Justice, military honor, and readiness for battle.
- Crown: Authority, dominion, and sovereignty.
- Cross: Faith, Christianity, and often participation in the Crusades.
- Tower/Castle: Protection, safety, and sometimes a fortress captured in battle.
- Arrow: Readiness for battle, martial readiness.
- Anchor: Hope, religious steadfastness, and naval connections.
- Key: Knowledge, guardianship, and authority.
- Harp: Mystical joy, contemplation. The national symbol of Ireland.
Plants & Natural Elements
- Oak Tree: Great age, strength, and endurance.
- Olive Branch: Peace and reconciliation.
- Rose: Hope and joy. Red rose = Lancaster; white rose = York.
- Shamrock/Trefoil: Irish heritage, the Holy Trinity.
- Thistle: Scottish heritage, defiance, and resilience.
- Fleur-de-lis: Purity, light, and French royalty.
- Wheat/Garb: Abundance, harvest, and prosperity.
Geometric Patterns (Ordinaries)
- Chevron: Protection, faithful service.
- Fess (horizontal bar): Military belt or girdle of honor.
- Pale (vertical bar): Military strength, fortitude.
- Bend (diagonal bar): Defense, protection.
- Saltire (X-shaped cross): Resolution, St. Andrew’s Cross (Scotland).
- Quarterly (shield divided into four): Often represents the union of two families.
Reading Your Family’s Coat of Arms
Now that you understand the language, look at your family’s coat of arms with new eyes. That lion is not just decoration — it is a statement about your ancestors’ courage. That cross speaks to their faith and service.
Want to see what symbols appear on your family’s coat of arms?
And if you want to carry that story with you, explore our framed coat of arms prints or personalized signet rings.