Blazon

Azure, a bend Or

Wappen Behnsdorf

Brandenburg Wappen

Arms of Winston Churchill

Arms of Jean III de Bretagne

Blazon is the formal language used to describe or depict heraldic arms or coat of arms. Originating in the medieval period, blazoning has evolved over centuries to become a highly specialized language with its own vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. It serves not only as a means of identification but also as a reflection of the history, achievements, and status of the bearer.

History

The practice of heraldry began in the 12th century, primarily as a means to identify combatants in armour on the battlefield. As heraldry developed, so did the need for a standardized language to accurately and succinctly describe the complex designs on shields, banners, and other heraldic devices. This led to the creation of blazon, which has its roots in the Old French term blason, meaning "shield" or "coat of arms".

Principles

Blazoning follows a strict set of rules and conventions. The primary goal is to enable a knowledgeable reader to reconstruct the heraldic design accurately from the textual description alone. Key principles include:

• Tinctures: These are the colors and metals used in heraldry. Blazon distinguishes between metals (e.g., Or (gold) and Argent (silver)) and colors (e.g., Gules (red), Azure (blue), Vert (green), Sable (black), and Purpure (purple)).
• Ordinaries and Charges: These are the geometric shapes and symbols placed on the shield. Common ordinaries include the chief, pale, bend, fess, and chevron. Charges can be animals, objects, or other figures.
• Position and Attitude: The description often specifies the position or attitude of charges (e.g., a lion rampant, an eagle displayed).
• Complex Lines: The edges of ordinaries or divisions of the field may be straight, embattled, engrailed, indented, etc., adding to the complexity and uniqueness of the coat of arms.

Language and Syntax

Blazon uses a concise and formulaic language. The description typically starts with the field (the background of the shield) and proceeds from the most important elements to the least, following a hierarchy. Adjectives precede nouns, and the use of conjunctions is minimized. For example, a simple blazon might read: "Azure, a bend Or" – a blue field with a diagonal gold stripe.

Modern Usage

While heraldry and blazoning might seem antiquated, they remain in use in various forms around the world. Many countries, cities, universities, and families still maintain and create coats of arms, often adhering to the traditional rules of blazonry. Heraldic authorities, such as the College of Arms in England and the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland, continue to oversee the granting and matriculation of arms.

Conclusion

Blazon is a unique and enduring aspect of heraldic tradition, encapsulating the art and science of describing coats of arms. Its specialized language and strict conventions have allowed heraldry to remain a relevant and respected practice, linking the past with the present.