What is a coat of arms used for?

A coat of arms identifies a person, a family line, a place or an organization. Knights began painting arms on their shields in the 12th century so they could be recognized in battle and at tournaments. Today arms appear on seals, signet rings, flags, buildings, gravestones and the emblems of countries, cities, schools and companies.

Arms are hereditary in most traditions, so they also record descent. Younger sons in England and Scotland added small marks of cadency, and a marriage could be shown by joining two sets of arms on one shield. A full display with helm, crest and supporters is called an achievement.

Modern uses are often personal. Families print a design on reunion shirts or wedding stationery, and writers invent arms for fictional houses. The parts of a coat of arms guide explains each element, and the coat of arms maker lets you build your own.