Definition of

coats of arms

Symbols

The blazons are the coats of arms and the symbols that appear on them.

Blazon is a term that derives from the French blason and refers to a coat of arms . Another interesting aspect of the etymological origin is that this French word, in turn, derives from a Latin word: Blesum , which was the name of an ancient Roman city, which today is Blois and is located in the French country.

The coats of arms are the shields themselves or the symbols that appear on them. The discipline that is dedicated to analyzing and detailing the characteristics of the various coats of arms is even called a blazon.

Types of coats of arms

The divisions, shapes, figures and various accessories define the coats of arms. It is possible to differentiate between simple coats of arms (which represent a single individual or entity) and compound coats of arms (in charge of representing different subjects or organizations, which can be united or combined).

A person can receive a coat of arms by succession (inheritance), by surcharge and commemoration (adding elements to the inherited coat of arms), by substitution (a contract causes one coat of arms to be exchanged for another) or by alliance (through an agreement).

As for the categories of coats of arms, we can distinguish between national coats of arms , provincial coats of arms , city coats of arms , community coats of arms , coats of arms of dignity , coats of arms of patronage and coats of arms of sovereignty , among others.

Symbol

There are different types of coats of arms.

Its elements

It is important to keep in mind that each detail of the coat of arms has some meaning. Among them are the colors , which in this context are known as enamels . Also the figures , which can be natural (such as the rose, the fleur-de-lis and the star), simple (the cross, the sun), weapons (arrows, swords), constructions (towers, castles) or animals ( eagles, lions), among others.

In order to understand the coats of arms more, you have to know some aspects of the elements that appear in them. So, for example, each color is associated with certain values:

  • Yellow refers to chivalry, generosity, nobility and even wealth.
  • Red , which in heraldry is known as gules, is one of the most common in coats of arms. It must be established that it is used as a synonym for courage, strength and daring. It is considered that those who have it in their emblem must do what is in their power to avoid injustice.
  • The green found in the coats of arms comes to represent respect, honor and service as well as courtesy.
  • The color white reveals values ​​such as beauty, integrity or openness, for example.
  • Black is associated with wisdom, secrecy and simplicity.
  • Blue , which is called azure in heraldry, is used to act as a synonym for sweetness, perseverance and even praise.

Another use of the notion of coats of arms

The notion of blazon, finally, can refer to an honor , an achievement or a medal .

For example: “The club brought out its emblems at the end of the tournament” , “The boxer will put his emblems into play tonight” , “I think I have enough emblems to aspire to the award” .