Galley |
Same meaning as ship and lymphiad - All of these symbols point to some notable expedition by sea, by which, perhaps, the first bearers had become famous. See also SHIP
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Gannet |
Like the martlet, a footless swallow, the gannet is a good symbol for one who is "prompt and ready in the dispatch of his business." The gannet may also represent one who has to "subsist by the wings of his virtue and merit," being unable to rest on land. See also MARTLET and SWALLOW.
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Garbe |
aka Wheat sheaf - Represents plentifulness, and achievement of hope. See also WHEATSHEAF.
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Gauntlet |
Gauntlets or armored gloves symbolize a man armed and ready to make war.
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Goat |
The goat is a symbol of practical wisdom and an emblem of a man who wins victories through diplomacy rather than war. It may also represent one who is willing to work hard for high honors. It was thought that the goat might be a representation of Christ, since both were partial to high places and had sharp eyes. A man bearing this symbol was thought to have God on his side.
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Golpe |
A purple roundle is called a golpe, a roundle being any circular charge of color or metal. It represents a wound inflicted in battle.
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Goose |
Symbolizes resourcefulness, a man of many resources.
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Gorged |
An animal or bird is said to be gorged when represented with a crown or something similar around its neck. It is then blazoned as "gorged with a crown," etc. Also known as Collared, it represents high dignity. The unicorn of Scotland is gorged with a crown.
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Gouttes |
Symbolic of one who has endured torrents of liquids as in the course of battle. The type of liquid is determined by the color of the drops:
Or (yellow) = gold
Azure (blue) = tears
Vert (green) = oil
Argent (white or silver) = water
Sable (black) = tar or pitch
Gules (red) = blood See also DROPS
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Grapes |
Grapes are symbolic of good luck, felicity and peace. Fruit of all kinds was considered to be evidence of God's kindness and a symbol of the goodness of providence. They were sometimes associated with wine-makers.
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Grape Vine |
Represents strong and lasting friendship. See also VINE.
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Grasshopper |
The grasshopper has been used to represent nobility and of wisdom.
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Grenade |
The symbol of the grenade was bestowed on those who had endured terror while under siege or in battle. It may also indicate that the bearer of the device was an artilleryman. See also Fireballs
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Griffin |
The griffin is a mythical creature, with the head, wings and talons of an eagle and the body and hind legs of a lion. It is thus composed of the most royal of the birds and the beasts. The griffin was thought to find and guard mines of gold and hidden treasures. It signifies valor, death-defying bravery, strength, vigilance, and perseverance. A male griffin has no wings but often has horns and a spiky tail. Also seen spelled GRYPHON
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Gyronny |
The gyronny is a decorative pattern that stands for unity. A gyron, sometimes also called an esquire, is a line that divides a shield into six or eight parts with alternating colors. A shield gyronny is frequent in Scottish arms.
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Hammer |
The hammer is a symbol of force and dominance. It was considered an honorable symbol, because, in early times, iron was more precious to people than gold. For this reason the hammer may be born crowned. The double-headed hammer was the chief emblem of the Norse god Thor. The hammer is also one of the chief emblems of a smith, which may indicate that the first bearer of the arms was also a smith.
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Hand (red) |
This is the mark of a Baronet. In Ireland the open red hand is often a symbol of the Province of Ulster.
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Hand |
Pledge of faith, sincerity, and justice. In Ireland the open hand was used as a means of communicating through the ancient language known as "Ogham". The open hand may have also signified the sun.
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Handclasp |
Two right hands joined - Represents union and alliance.
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Hare
HT - Condy |
The hare was probably introduced into heraldry as a symbol for one who enjoys a peaceable and retired life. Also, since rabbits and hares reproduce prodigiously, they have become symbols for lust and great fertility.
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Harp |
Signifies a well composed person of tempered judgment. It also represents contemplation and a mystical bridge.
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Harpy |
In Greek mythology, the harpy represented the spirit of the wind, particularly the hurricane. It is represented by a virgin's face, neck, and breast, the body of a lion and the wings and talons of a vulture or an eagle. The harpy is a symbol of ferocity under provocation.
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Hart |
Another name for the male deer, it signifies peace and harmony. See also STAG.
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Hawk |
The falcon or hawk signifies someone who was hot or eager in the pursuit of an object much desired. It is frequently found in the coats of arms of nobility, from the time when the falcon played an important social role in the sport of kings and nobles. See also FALCON.
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Hawk's Bell |
Symbolizes one who feared not to signal his approach in either peace or war.
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Hawk's lure |
Hawk's lures indicate one who was fond of such noble pursuits as hunting and falconry. The lure was constructed using a pair of wings to resemble a bird. It was thrown into the air to help retrieve the hawk when it had flown too far afield after the quarry. Thus it also symbolizes a signal used to recall the absent from afar.
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Heart |
The ancients regarded the heart as the mark of a person of sincerity, who spoke the truth. It is sometimes used in heraldry in this sense, but more often as an emblem of kindness and charity.
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Heart - Flaming |
Signifies ardent affection.
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Hedgehog
HT - urcheon |
The hedgehog, which is usually referred to as an urcheon in heraldic terms, is an ancient symbol of one who is a thoughtful provider.
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Helmet |
When a helmet is on a shield, it represents wisdom and security in defense. It also signified strength, protection, and invulnerability.
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Hills |
Hills signify one who provides safety, refuge and protection. See also ROCKS.
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Hind
Female Deer |
This is the female deer and it represents peace and harmony.
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Hippogriff |
A hippogriff has the head, wings and fore-claws of a female griffin attached to the hind end of the body of a horse. It is said to symbolize one who displays great bravery in the protection of home and family.
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Holly |
Holly was used to adorn temples and sacred places and its name is derived from the word holy. Holly is an emblem of truth.
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Horns |
Horns represent strength and fortitude. See also ANTLERS.
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Horse |
The horse signifies readiness to act for one's king and country or a readiness for duty. It is also a symbol of speed, intellect and virility.
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Horseshoe |
Symbolizes good fortune and a safeguard against evil spirits.
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Hourglass |
The hourglass is a symbol of the flight of time and is a reminder of man's mortality. Also called a sandglass.
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Human Head |
Represents honor.
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Hunting Horn |
Signifies a person of high or noble pursuits.
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Hurt |
A blue roundle, a roundle being any circular charge of color or metal, is called a hurt. It is an heraldic symbol for an injury or loss.
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Hydra |
A multi-headed dragon - Represents the conquest of a very powerful enemy. See also DRAGON.
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