2. Background  Background  During the Middle Ages knights painted their armor and shields as a way of identifying themselves on the battle field. Out of this practice arose heraldry, a tradition composed of a complex system of symbolism which included shapes, colors, animals, weapons and other objects. Eventually, this practice has evolved into the elaborate family crests and mottos of today. 

11. Heraldic colors Yellow or Gold - Generosity White or Silver - Peace & Sincerity Black – Mystery, Constancy, evil Blue - Loyalty & Truthfulness Red - Military Fortitude, Warrior Green - Hope, Joy, youth, joined to the land Purple – Royalty Orange – Worthwhile Ambition Maroon – Victorious, Patient in Battle

12. Heraldic Animals  Bear - Protectiveness Bee - Industriousness Camel - Perseverance Dog - Loyalty Double Eagle & Eagle - Leadership & Decisiveness Dragon - Defender of Treasure Falcon or Hawk - Eagerness Fox - Cleverness Griffin (part eagle, part lion) - Bravery Horse - Readiness to Serve

13. Heraldic Animals Lion - Courage Pelican - Generosity & Devotion Raven - Constancy Snake – Ambition Eagle - intelligence Stag, Elk or Deer - Peace & Harmony Tiger - Fierceness & Valor Unicorn - Extreme courage Wolf - Constant Vigilance

14. Heraldic symbols  Axe - Dutiful Bridge - (signifies a governor or magistrate) Crescent - Enlightenment Crosses - Christian sentiments Crown - Authority Fire - Zeal Flaming Heart - Passion Fleur-de-lys (stylized Iris flower) - Purity (associated with France) Hand - Faith, Sincerity & Justice Heart - Sincerity

15. Heraldic Symbols  Horns & Antlers - Fortitude Lightning - Decisiveness Moon - Serenity Oyster Shell - Traveler Ring - Fidelity Scepter - Justice Star - Nobility Sun - Glory Sword - Warlike Tower or Castle - Fortitude & Protectiveness

16. Other important design details  Besides simple fields of color, a coat of arms may contain other design motifs, such as checkerboards, polka dots, or fur patterns. One traditional design rule is that two solid-color fields shouldn't appear side by side unless one of the two is "metallic". Even this "rule" has been broken by many famous and historical coats of arms.

17. Coat of Arms Project  You must create your own coat of arms on an 8 1/2” x 11” sheet of paper. It must contain the following:  4 Sections 1.Charge or figure that represents your inner qualities or values 2.Draw something that reflects your family background. 3.Draw something that represents a skill that you are proud to possess. 4.School symbol that represents Legacy  Personal slogan or motto you live by.

18. My sample

19. Coat of Arms Project  On the back side of the paper, you must include your name and a well-developed paragraph explaining your coat of arms.  Due Date : Friday, February 28th

20. Assignment today…  Choose shape of shield  I will provide you with 1 piece of white paper to trace your shield.  Use the stencil to trace your shield.  Do not keep my stencils  Do not cut out your shields  If you mess up or decide to change your shield, you will need to provide your own paper.  Write down ideas of what colors, symbols, and animals you would like to use.  All colors, symbols, and animals must describe you as a person.