In heraldry, the clarion is a symbol of proclamation, readiness, fame, and noble service, though its exact historical form has long been debated and remains one of heraldry’s intriguing mysteries. Traditionally depicted as a stylized musical instrument, often resembling a rest or paired pipes, the clarion has been interpreted as a type of trumpet or organ-like device, which gives it strong associations with heralds, ceremony, announcement, and the public expression of authority. Because sound in heraldry often signifies command, warning, or celebration, the clarion can represent a family or institution whose identity was tied to service, communication, or distinguished renown.

It is most famously associated with the Duke of Clarence and the arms of Clare, where the three clarions became a notable and much-discussed charge in English heraldry. Its rarity and uncertain form make it especially distinctive, and it is valued as much for its historic character as for any single fixed meaning. In heraldry, the clarion stands as an emblem of voice and visibility, expressing the idea that honour is not only held, but proclaimed, heard, and remembered.