Coat of Arms Colours & Their Meanings

The intricate and stylized emblems that are coat of arms are not only symbols of lineage and distinction, but also rich in meanings and stories. Few aspects of heraldry are as fascinating and yet as misunderstood as the meanings behind the colors used in coats of arms. Today, we delve into the world of heraldic colors, uncovering their historical significance and the stories they tell.

In the realm of heraldry, colors, or 'tinctures', play a pivotal role. Each hue possesses its own symbolism, reflecting the characteristics, values, and even the historical context of the family or person portrayed. Let's explore the historical and symbolic significance of various coat of arms colors.

The Primary Coat of Arms Colors

The four primary or 'metal' colors used in heraldry - gold (or), silver (argent), black (sable), and red (gules) - hold significant historical and symbolic meanings.

Gold, represented by yellow on flags and other representations, signifies generosity, splendor, and power. In contrast, silver or white, argent, represents purity, innocence, and sincerity, with its bright, reflective qualities symbolizing light and gladness.

The Metallic Coat of Arms Colors

Black, sable, historically would have been the natural color of the fur of the sable, an expensive and luxurious fur. As such, it symbolizes grandeur, constancy, and somberness. Lastly, red, gules, evokes courage, bravery, and warrior spirit, with its bold hue drawing inspiration from the blood spilled in battles won.

In heraldry, the careful placement and combination of these colors create intricate patterns, each telling a unique story and conveying a wealth of information about the lineage and virtues of the family or individual it represents.

The Secondary Coat of Arms Colors

Beyond the primary colors, heraldry also employs a range of secondary or 'surmise' colors, further enriching the tapestry of meanings. These include blue (azure), green (vert), purple (purpure), and the 'furs' - erminois (lighter) and ermine (darker), representing the fur of the ermine.

Azure, or blue, is a popular color in heraldry, symbolizing truth, loyalty, and the heavens. Green, vert, conveys life, health, youth, and fertility, while purple, purpure, is the color of the Roman Emperor's robe and thus signifies regal power and sovereignty.

The Surmise Coat of Arms Colors

Erminois and ermine are intricately detailed, adding texture and complexity to coats of arms. The upright lines represent the winter-only coat of the ermine, a stoat with a white Brush tail, emphasizing the idea of constancy, cleanliness, and innocence. Blue, green, and purple also reflect the natural world, with blue representing both celestial and water bodies, and green and purple representing different aspects of nature's palette.

The use of 'furs' - erminois and ermine - adds a layer of craftsmanship to coats of arms, echoing the intricate process of preparing the skins of animals for use in clothing and other applications.

Understanding the symbolism of coat of arms colors offers a glimpse into the rich history and complex storytelling of heraldry. Each color choice is deliberate, reflecting the heritage, values, and aspirations of the person or family it represents. As such, the field of heraldry remains an ever-evolving tapestry of color, symbolism, and story.