It’s often a matter of pride to have a family crest, and many believe that those who share a surname all have claim to the same family crest. This belief is untrue, but it is encouraged to boost sales. In addition, when one speaks of a family crest and a family coat of arms, it is important to note that the two terms are not interchangeable.

A crest is actually one portion of a larger heraldic achievement. The crest is worn atop the helmet and can be likened to the crest of a bird. Originally, heraldry was developed due to the need to distinguish the participants on a field of battle. Heraldic symbolism became more elaborate and codified over the years. Modern heraldry is, of course, largely ceremonial. However, modern heraldry continues to follow the rules laid down during past centuries.

Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as a family crest, at least not in the way that the term is often used in so-called heraldry shops. Retail heraldry has become big business and some shopkeepers are willing to say whatever is necessary to make the sale. According to heraldic tradition, the family crest could be passed down only from father to son through a direct line of descendants.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, August 12th, 2007 at 7:50 pm and is filed under Family. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.