How to Uncover Your Real Coat of Arms
by: Chris Simeral
Armorial bearings, or coats of arms, take us back to the glamour of the middle ages. In days of old, knights displayed heraldic devices on their horses' caparisons, their servants' liveries, and on their banners and shields. As war medals are awarded today, so coats' of arms and other heraldic devices could be awarded to knights for their service in battle. But the primary role of coats' of arms was identification in battle ? the bright, vibrant colors and symbols identified the knight to his men, and his flying banner was a rallying point for them.
Heraldry refers to the study of coats of arms, and takes its name from the Heralds, who were the special ambassadors and messengers of feudal times. They were employed by all great lords, and by the king. Because Heralds traveled freely around the country, they were also the armorial officials. They granted armorial bearings. At tournaments, it was the Heralds' job to check that no knight appeared in the tournament lists displaying the heraldic devices of another. In battle, it was the Heralds' job, on both sides, to identify the living and the dead, and to declare the winner.
Heralds still exist today. Many countries in Europe have offices of Heralds, including Britain. If you find that you have a British ancestor, you can apply to be granted the right to bear your ancestors' coat of arms. If your British ancestor didn't have a coat of arms, you can choose your own devices (symbols), and a coat of arms may be created for you.
What does coat of arms mean? In medieval times, knights wore a thickly padded coat over their chain mail to protect them from sword thrusts, and their armorial bearings were painted on this coat. After a battle, it was the Heralds' unpleasant duty to identify the dead, and the deceased knights were identified by their painted coats: their coats of arms.
The Language and Symbols of Heraldry
Heraldry can seem complex to us, with its many colors and symbols, but 600 years ago you would have been able to read the colors and symbols on a knight's livery, banner, and coat of arms as easily as you can read a billboard today. In those days, although most people (even the wealthy) were illiterate, they understood heraldic symbols, and what they meant. Everything on a coat of arms had meaning to them: the colors, the quarterings or other divisions, and the symbols, which could include swords, shields, crowns, animals and mythical beasts.
Are You Eligible for a REAL Coat of Arms?
If you have a British ancestor, you may be eligible. But claiming entitlement to a coat of arms, or applying for a new coat of arms, is a complicated process because you must apply to the College of Heralds of your ancestor's country. Bear in mind that those kiosks you see set up in malls, or the various websites that ?specialize? in providing coats of arms based on your last name, are really just for fun (if you want to be generous in describing their motives). What you?ll receive from these places really has nothing to do with a true coat of arms that may have been granted to your ancestors.
Resources to Help in Applying for a Real Coat of Arms:
* College of Arms (England and Wales): www.college-of-arms.gov.uk
* The Heraldry Society of Scotland (Scotland): http://www.heraldry-scotland.co.uk
* Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland (Ireland) at the National Library of Ireland: http://www.nli.ie
About The Author
Chris Simeral is the creator of the 7 Day Family Tree Genealogy Research Toolkit. For more information on researching your family?s past, or a free genealogy mini-course, visit http://www.7dayfamilytree.com.
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Dog Grooming ? Maintaining A Posh Pup
Dog Grooming ? Maintaining A Posh Pup
by: Paolo Basauri
Dog grooming is not simply an aesthetic bonus for our canine friends. Maintaining a regular grooming schedule will help to keep your dog both happy and healthy. Routine dog grooming will ensure that your dog is free of parasites, has healthy skin and a shiny coat, and has good dental health. Of course, the aesthetic benefits are also a plus. Only a true dog lover wants to be around a dirty, stinky dog with bad breath. Proper dog grooming will bring out the best in man?s best friend.
What?s Involved in Dog Grooming?
While dog grooming can be performed at home, the best results can be achieved via a professional dog groomer. A thorough dog grooming session takes care of all the hygienic needs of your dog. The grooming process generally takes a hour or two to accomplish, but the results are well worth the time spent. A typical dog grooming session consists of the following treatments...
Dog Grooming ? Maintaining A Posh Pup
Coats > Dog Grooming ? Maintaining A Posh Pup
Dog Grooming ? Maintaining A Posh Pup
Dog Grooming ? Maintaining A Posh Pup
by: Paolo Basauri
Dog grooming is not simply an aesthetic bonus for our canine friends. Maintaining a regular grooming schedule will help to keep your dog both happy and healthy. Routine dog grooming will ensure that your dog is free of parasites, has healthy skin and a shiny coat, and has good dental health. Of course, the aesthetic benefits are also a plus. Only a true dog lover wants to be around a dirty, stinky dog with bad breath. Proper dog grooming will bring out the best in man?s best friend.
What?s Involved in Dog Grooming?
While dog grooming can be performed at home, the best results can be achieved via a professional dog groomer. A thorough dog grooming session takes care of all the hygienic needs of your dog. The grooming process generally takes a hour or two to accomplish, but the results are well worth the time spent. A typical dog grooming session consists of the following treatments...
Dog Grooming ? Maintaining A Posh Pup
Coats > Dog Grooming ? Maintaining A Posh Pup
The Naming Game
The Naming Game
by: Jack Russell
If ?fashionistas? are obsessed with brand names, dog lovers are hooked on dog breeds. This is because purebred dogs are expensive and belong to the high-level of this particular species.
Generally, dog breeds were incorporated to give distinctive characteristics to certain classifications, thus, resulting to a substantial number of varieties.
However, people who breed dogs often find it hard to detect the specific characteristic of the resulting species. There are times that off springs appear to be different from their ?parents.?
In dog breeding, experts contend that the off springs should have the same characteristics as their parents, both physical attributes and behavior. For example, a breeding pair of Retrievers should produce the black puppies because purebred Retrievers have black coats.
However, there are instances that retrievers produce puppies that have yellow coats. Hence, cases...
The Naming Game
Coats > The Naming Game
The Naming Game
The Naming Game
by: Jack Russell
If ?fashionistas? are obsessed with brand names, dog lovers are hooked on dog breeds. This is because purebred dogs are expensive and belong to the high-level of this particular species.
Generally, dog breeds were incorporated to give distinctive characteristics to certain classifications, thus, resulting to a substantial number of varieties.
However, people who breed dogs often find it hard to detect the specific characteristic of the resulting species. There are times that off springs appear to be different from their ?parents.?
In dog breeding, experts contend that the off springs should have the same characteristics as their parents, both physical attributes and behavior. For example, a breeding pair of Retrievers should produce the black puppies because purebred Retrievers have black coats.
However, there are instances that retrievers produce puppies that have yellow coats. Hence, cases...
The Naming Game
Coats > The Naming Game
Top 5 Ways to Generate Qualified Leads for Your Small Business
Top 5 Ways to Generate Qualified Leads for Your Small Business
by: Jeremy Cohen
Do you ever wonder if you could be doing a better job marketing your small business or professional service firm? Successfully marketing a small business is hard work. There are several key skills required to consistently develop new business that you, as a small business owner, must master in order to succeed.
The first skill you need to have is the ability to regularly generate...
How to Uncover Your Real Coat of Arms Top 5 Ways to Generate Qualified Leads for Your Small Business Coats
Coats > Top 5 Ways to Generate Qualified Leads for Your Small Business
How to Uncover Your Real Coat of Arms Coats
How To Cure Bad Breath
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by: Gray Rollins
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Many people suffer from it either temporarily or as a chronic problem. Common causes are odiferous foods, smoking, poor oral hygiene, sinus conditions and medical issues. There are many cures for this ailment that are simple to use. If problems persist, though, it is advisable to seek the authority of a dentist or medical professional to rule out any serious dental or medical...
How to Uncover Your Real Coat of Arms How To Cure Bad Breath Coats seeds
Coats > How To Cure Bad Breath
Insurance: The Stable Edge Of Change
Insurance: The Stable Edge Of Change
by: Greg Carson
The only thing that is permanent in this world is change. Since we are living in an ever-changing society, one must be capable to cope and live with what the world has to offer. No one could ever predict what's happening next so one must be self-reliant by preparing for the worst possible consequences the world has to offer.
To be assured against these unpredictable phenomena, insurance policies are sold....
payroll How to Uncover Your Real Coat of Arms Insurance: The Stable Edge Of Change Coats
Coats > Insurance: The Stable Edge Of Change