Why was the coat of arms made?

Answer 1

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Short answer:
For use in battle.

Long answer:
Coats of Arms
Except for a few cases, there is really no such thing as a catch-all "coat of arms" for a surname. BUT, you will find literally hundreds of web sites on the Internet that will tell you otherwise. In actuality, "coats of arms" are usually granted only to a single person ... and NOT to an entire family or to a particular surname. Coats of arms are inheritable property, and they generally descend to male lineal descendents of the original arms grantee. So, you will know if you inherited a "coat of arms" ... because if you did, you'll already have it! The caveat to this paragraph is that "rules" and traditions regarding Coats of Arms vary from country to country. So, be certain to research the heraldry traditions of your ancestor's home country.

There are many links to articles about Coats of Arms and heraldry, at Kimberly Powell's About.com genealogy site.

A newsgroup devoted to heraldry has posted some very good explanations regarding a coat of arms and family crests. It explains what they can mean, and it even discusses software available for heraldic studies.

Legitimate Arms
If you'd like to read more about true coats of arms then these websites are good places to start:
• The Baronage Press
• American College Of Heraldry
• Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies

Arms for Entertainment or Decoration
If, for the sole purpose of fun and entertainment, you still want to see some coats of arms associated (loosely) with your surname, then you can read through the below linked websites. Some of them have free "coats of arms" images. Bear in mind, though, that for most all of us, viewing these coats of arms, or buying mugs, t-shirts or plaques bearing these images is really just for fun or decoration.
• Free Coat of Arms
• Free Coat of Arms Search (Extensive Site!)
• Coats of Arms Designs of Wonder
• Coats of Arms on the Internet
• Fleur-de-Lis Designs
http://www.progenealogists.com/coatofarm…

The family crest is typically a figure and generally a beast of some kind. It can be found "atop the helmet placed above the shield." Traditionally the crest has been used primarily by men. However, some queens of England of Britain have been treated with crests. In the early history of the family crest, its issuance was usually confined to people of rank, but later the crest was included in nearly every grant of arms.

Source(s):

Research.

Answer 2

A personal coat of arms is a heritable design representing an individual and his offspring, normally depicted on a shield but sometimes on a lozenge (diamond), a cartouche (oval), on a flag, or on clothing (hence, the name "coat" of arms). One original purpose of heraldic designs was to help soldiers identify their leaders (and followers) in battle, since often their faces were hidden in a helm. However, traders and craft persons also adopted arms to identify their family businesses in signage. In many countries farmers use heraldry to mark the entrance to their farm and to decorate their homes.

Today, the use of heraldry is widespread in the Americas and in Europe. In Britain heraldry is regulated, and the heraldic agencies charge a fee to create and re-register one's arms. In most other countries there is no or little regulation.

In the USA there is an official agency that registers and designs arms for the armed forces and government. In Canada, there is an heraldic granting agency, but its use is not required to bear arms.

Coats of arms are used to identify persons, buildings, and vehicles in schools, churches, and local and national government agencies. Personal arms are used by individuals in stationary, as wall hangings, on door plaques, etc. The clergy, especially Catholics, use heraldry extensively to identify churches and leaders.

Answer 3

Short answer:

People needed to paint their metal shields so that they did not rust. Due to the rivets and such, some would paint designs on them. It became obvious whose shield was whose by the design. This was very handy in the days before uniforms, and writing. You could tell who was who by what they wore.

To expand:

This was a great idea! This soon spread, and eventually, knights in battle would wear a design on their surcoat (the "coat of arms"), and the same design on their shield. They would wear cloth on their heads, so that the helmet did not absorb the rays of the sun and bake them. This became the mantling (of the two "livery" colours), held on by a twisted rope (the "torse," also in the 2 livery colours), and with a crest on top of the helmet for further identification. Heralds would record these, showing the shield, the helm (different ones for different ranks), the mantling, torse, and crrest. Later, "supporters" were added, to hold up the shield, which would sit on a "compartment." Sometimes there would be a motto as well.

This all developed into a fairly complex idea, with it's own language (Blazon), rules, and so on.

Answer 4

Short answer, Many people couldn't read so a symbol, flag, coat of arms are a good visual way of Identifying a household. Sort of like a last name for the illiterate, but there are many more reasons and long histories.