heraldic

Heraldic refers to heraldry, the study and practice of designing, displaying, describing, and regulating coats of arms and related insignia. It covers the creation and granting of arms, the proper blazoning of armorial bearings, and the recording of armorial pedigrees and histories. Heraldry arose in medieval Europe as a system for identifying armored combatants and heralds, officers of arms, developed standardized terms, rules, and a language for description.

A coat of arms typically centers on an escutcheon (shield) bearing charges such as animals, plants, or objects, and may be accompanied by a crest, helmet, mantling, supporters, and a motto. The visible elements are arranged according to heraldic rules, including tinctures (colors and metals) and the rule of tincture, which seeks contrast between metal and color for visibility. A device’s formal description is called a blazon.

Modern heraldry is regulated by heraldic authorities in many countries. Notable examples include the College of Arms in England and Wales, the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland, and Canada’s Canadian Heraldic Authority; Ireland and other nations maintain similar offices. Heraldry remains active in personal, civic, corporate, and institutional arms, and informs insignia, ceremonial regalia, flags, and logos.

Beyond arms, heraldic practice covers badges, mottos, and other emblems, all governed by tradition, law, and institutional policy. While most associated with Europe, heraldry has influenced designs worldwide and continues to express lineage, identity, and affiliation.