Early Medieval Heraldry

For those who can read heraldry, the entire history of the second half of the middle ages can be found on a coat of arms.However, an air of mystery always shrouds them, and even experts sometimes find it difficult to explain the meaning behind some symbols. 

 Heraldry reflects nearly all facets of public life ( the military, the guilds, politics, law and the arts). Coats of Arms were displayed on the battle shields of Noblemen and embroidered on their servants livery. They appeared on flags, seals, coins and medals.  They served as decoration on castles, palaces, the houses of Noblemen, town halls and even churches.  They appeared on tombstones, books and carriages.  They also inspired odes and legends about their origins…    

Historians date the first use of the coat of arms in battle to the second quarter of the 12th century.  As the knights all wore similar armour, the coats of arms were important to distinguish one's own knights from the enemy’s. The coats of arms were placed on the knight’s shields, helmets, flags, cloaks and horse blankets; the helmets and the shields being the most important.  Rulers granted the noble class and lawful institutions specially patented coats of arms to demark their elevated standing in society.Between the 13th and 15th centuries the church, cities, monasteries, guilds and universities had their own coat of arms.  From the 15th century on, townspeople also had coats of arms.  During contemporary times, even rural folk were able to acquire coats of arms in certain European countries.  

In Western Europe tournaments had a heavy influence on the evolution of Coats of Arms.  Before the tournament started, the blazoned shields, helmets and flags of the knights participating in the tournament were displayed in the palace courtyard.  To excite the crowd, the heralds would explain the knight’s coats of arms and praise their accomplishments.