| There is a bit of confusion amongst the public | | | | use by another constituted usurpation. Of course, |
| concerning the term "family crest." Duped by | | | | in the modern world where heraldry has become |
| unscrupulous salespeople, many people believe | | | | ceremonial rather than battlefield identification, you |
| that a particular family crest belongs to everyone | | | | are not likely to put yourself in danger by |
| who happens to share a surname. | | | | purchasing a crest for your family Just be aware |
| Additionally, the terms family crest and family | | | | that the crest of someone who shares your last |
| coat of arms are often used interchangeably | | | | name is not necessarily your crest. |
| even though the two are actually very different. | | | | In some cases, a family coat of arms may not |
| A crest is actually one portion of a larger heraldic | | | | be in your history. Scotland and England, for |
| achievement. The crest is worn atop the helmet | | | | example, have coat of arms that belong to a |
| and can be likened to the crest of a bird. | | | | person rather than a family, and the coat of arms |
| Originally, heraldry was developed due to the need | | | | is passed from father to son. Law determines |
| to distinguish the participants on a field of battle. | | | | ownership of the coat of arms. |
| Heraldic symbolism became more elaborate and | | | | In other countries with different traditions, such as |
| codified over the years. Modern heraldry is, of | | | | Poland, a coat of arms belonging to a family may |
| course, largely ceremonial. However, modern | | | | exist. Regardless, retail stores may not offer the |
| heraldry continues to follow the rules laid down | | | | correct coat of arms for your family. |
| during past centuries. | | | | Researching your family genealogy often involves |
| Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as a | | | | researching your family crest. A family crest may |
| family crest, at least not in the way that the | | | | also exist based on your line of direct descent. In |
| term is often used in so-called heraldry shops. | | | | order to create an accurate family genealogy, |
| Retail heraldry has become big business and some | | | | you will need to perform historical research rather |
| shopkeepers are willing to say whatever is | | | | than simply relying on a heraldry shop to point |
| necessary to make the sale. | | | | you in the right direction. |
| According to heraldic tradition, the family crest | | | | Your family genealogy should provide an accurate |
| could be passed down only from father to son | | | | representation of the family history, and an |
| through a direct line of descendants. | | | | accurate crest and coat of arms are a part of |
| Each man's crest belonged to him by right and | | | | that representation. |