Knowra Heraldry Heraldry Heraldry is the system for designing, describing, and displaying coats of arms and related insignia. It uses standardized colors, shapes, figures, and rules to identify people, families, institutions, and territories.
Coat of arms : A distinctive design of shields and related emblems used to identify a person, family, institution, or territory. The coat of arms is heraldry’s central object, assembled from the elements and rules described here.
Rule of tincture : A heraldic convention that generally separates metals from colors to maintain visual contrast. This convention helps keep designs readable when tinctures meet.
Herald : An officer who served rulers and nobles in ceremonial, diplomatic, and armorial matters. Heralds helped identify arms and formalize the practices that gave heraldry its name.
Civic heraldry : The design and use of coats of arms by cities, municipalities, and other local governments. Municipal arms adapt heraldic forms to represent communities and their histories.
Vexillology : The study of flags and their design, history, and use. Flags share heraldry’s symbols and colors but follow distinct forms and display conventions.
Blazon : The formal verbal description of a coat of arms, written in a specialized heraldic vocabulary. Blazon converts heraldic designs into standardized descriptions that can be reproduced accurately.
Heraldic language : The specialized vocabulary and grammar used to describe coats of arms in blazon. Its terms let a blazon specify the arrangement, tinctures, and charges of a design.
Heraldry in the Middle Ages : The development and use of heraldic insignia in medieval Europe, especially from the twelfth century onward. Medieval Europe saw arms become recognizable, inheritable signs used beyond the battlefield.
Ecclesiastical heraldry : The use of coats of arms and related insignia by churches, clergy, and religious institutions. Church heraldry combines armorial conventions with symbols and marks of religious office.
Sigillography : The study of seals, including their designs, inscriptions, and historical use. Seals authenticate documents through impressions, whereas heraldry identifies bearers through armorial insignia.
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