A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield, surcoat (loose outer coat or gown) or tabard (tunic or cape garment). Medieval knights used coats of arms to identify the wearer. Heralds, or announcers, would introduce knights at competitions and spectators could distinguish each knight by the design adorning his shield, helmet and armour. A knight's battle gear was so prestigious and spoke to all of his achievements, so the coat of arms evolved into a status symbol that provided commentary on one's family history, property and profession or occupation.

Animals were frequently used as a main charge in coats of arms. They were shown in certain traditional postures (usually in positions of combat). Usually the animals chosen were fierce and ferocious looking or they represented positive traits such as wisdom, resourcefulness and loyalty.

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Eagle: person of noble nature, strength, bravery, and alertness; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious. If wings are displayed, it signifies protection. An eagle with two heads symbolises conjoining forces

Use mandatory signs to request a certain action. As a rule, these are recommendations to avoid accidents. A white pictogram on a blue surface represents the request.

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With a warning sign you indicate potential dangers or obstacles. The triangle-shaped signs are designed in black and yellow. A pictogram in the middle ensures clear recognition of the potential danger.

Family crests and coats of arms - does your family have one? Genes Reunited reveals the meanings behind the signs of heraldry. What do they represent? What’s the difference between a coat of arms and family crest? And what does a lion on a red background represent?

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The coat of arms generally refers to the, cape, shield, crest and helmet, while the family crest technically only refers to the small image that lies on the helm (top of the helmet). The family crest is a component of a coat of arms, which can be used as a simplified symbol when the full coat of arms is too detailed.

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Crosses on crests are usually symbolic of some Christian experience or sentiment. Figures such as angels and deities represent dignity, glory and honour.

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Chains: reward for acceptable and weighty service. With crowns and collars, this suggests the bearer bore the chain of obligation or obliged others because of services done

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Fish: a true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage; also unity with Christ, spiritual nourishment

Flowers usually represent hope and joy while fruit signifies felicity and peace. There are some more specific meanings for certain flora.

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They communicate the indication to refrain from an action. The clear red circle with crossbar makes the signs recognisable from a distance. The action is depicted by a black, characteristic pictogram.

Hand/red hand: pledge of faith, sincerity, and justice; two right hands conjoined represent union and alliance/mark of a baronet

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You can trace your family history by researching your family tree on Genes Reunited. Perhaps you’ll find out if anyone in your family acquired a family crest or coats of arms. Now you’re aware of some of the meanings behind the colours and symbols, you might be able to determine some of your ancestors' traits and gain a sense of your family’s heraldry.

Welcome to the new Genes Reunited blog!We regularly add blogs covering a variety of topics. You can add your own comments at the bottom.The Genes Reunited Team will be writing blogs and keeping you up to date with changes happening on the site.In the future we hope to have guest bloggers that will be able to give you tips and advice as to how to trace your family history.The blogs will have various privacy settings, so that you can choose who you share your blog with.

Bells: power to disperse evil spirits. A hawk's bells denotes one who was not afraid of signalling his approach in peace or war

Dove: loving constancy and peace; the Holy Spirit; with an olive branch in its bill, it signifies a harbinger of good tidings

British heraldry rules only allowed a firstborn son to receive his father's crest upon his death. By default, the crest would go to the firstborn grandson of a daughter if the man had no sons. In a number of heraldry traditions, a couple blended their respective family crests when they married to form a hybrid version (note the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's combined Coat of Arms on the right).

Lamb: gentleness and patience under suffering. A lamb carrying a staff or banner with a cross is a paschal lamb which represents faith, innocence, bravery, gentleness, purity, and a resolute spirit

Perhaps you do and you just didn't know! Search our brand new Scottish census records today and discover if you have Scottish roots.