Coat of Arms

One of the most enduring and beautiful pieces ofsimply a way of showing that a family was
family history is the coat of arms. These stunningpossessed of honored members.
pieces of artwork recall the days of chivalry andEven that changed, however, as the coat of
heraldry while they hearken back to ties to thearms simply became a status symbol. Those with
Old Country. For families who possess a coat ofmoney could simply purchase a coat of arms for
arms, it can take a place of pride in the home.display in their homes. No longer tied to any
Designed to be displayed for one and for all, thesemilitary or governmental forms, it was simply a
shield-shaped testaments to family history aredisplay of money. For instance, we know that
often adorned with beasts of the field and fancifulShakespeare was rich because he purchased a
creatures about their perimeter. They are trulycoat of arms for his family. Though this may be
the crowning touch to any family name.something of a bastardization of its original intent,
The coat of arms was originally used in the daysit meant that the coat of arms could be available
of knights, kings, and wars fought on horseback.to everyone.
Each knight would display a particular design,Now, there are numerous places from which one
image, or pattern on his shield to identify himselfcan find or purchase their own coat of arms.
amidst the anonymity of armor. Intended toThrough web sites, stores, gift shops, and stores
inspire troops, strike fear in the hearts of foes,dedicated to genealogy, one can either find the
and further the name of the bearer, the coat ofheraldic emblem for one's particular name, or
arms could tell the world which knight performedsimply choose from amongst a list of many. For
which feat of arms amidst the din of battle. Then,those who are particularly adventurous and
upon their return to the halls of their lord, theyartistic, you can even design your own!
could hang their shield by the door to inform allNo matter how you come across your particular
within which knights assembled at any given time.coat of arms, these intricate and beautiful designs
However, as old forms of warfare gave way tocan provide you with an heirloom for your own
the musket, rifle, and cannon, the coat of armsfamily. Display it proudly on your front door, place
was not as necessary. Warfare became ait above your mantelpiece, or just tuck it into a
method of regiments, not men. Thus, the coat ofsheaf of papers with the knowledge that you
arms had become obsolete in many ways.know it is yours. Whatever you do with it, it can
However, knighthood was still an honor conferredbe an enjoyable little piece of your history and
by the various crowns of Europe, just as it is inyour ever-living tie to the Old World from whence
Britain today. Thus, the coat of arms becameyour ancestors came.