Create an Original Coat of Arms In the Middle Ages Coat of Arms were used on the battlefield to identify a person and his/her enemies. The symbols used on Coats of Arms were chosen carefully to represent an individual or a family. The study of the symbols, colors, and patterns used in Coats of Arms is known as heraldry. In the short story “The Cask of Amontillado,” during Montresor and Fortunato’s walk through the catacombs, Montresor mentions his family’s coat of arms: a foot in a blue background crushing a snake whose fangs are embedded in the foot’s heel, with the motto Nemo me impune lacessit (“No one attacks me with impunity”).
Directions: Create your own Coat of Arms based on your hobbies, interests, personality, character, and family. Read through the list of colors, animals, and symbols on the back of this page. Which represent you? Can you think of more animals or symbols that you could use on your Coat of Arms?
Include the following information on your Coat of Arms: 1) shield colors that represent you 2) a symbol or picture to represent an interest, hobby, activity, or sport you enjoy 3) an animal that represents you (see back) 4) any other symbol or picture that represents you (see back) 5) your family name 6) a personal motto (words or a phrase that represent/motivate you)
Family Name
Mantle
Shield
Shield Symbols
Motto Heraldic Colors Heraldic Animals Yellow or Gold – Generosity Bear – Protectiveness Heraldic Symbols White or Silver – Bee – Industriousness Axe – Dutiful Peace/Sincerity Camel – Perseverance Crescent – Enlightenment Black – Constancy & Grief Dog – Loyalty Crosses – Christian Blue – Loyalty & Truthfulness Dove - Peace sentiments Red – Military Fortitude Dragon – Defender of Crown – Authority Green – Hope, Joy, & Loyalty Treasure Fire – Enthusiasm Purple – Sovereignty & Eagle – Leadership & Decisiveness Flaming Heart – Passion Justice Falcon or Hawk – Eagerness Flower - Beauty Fox – Cleverness Hand – Faith & Justice Griffin – Bravery Heart – Sincerity Horse – Readiness to Serve Horns & Antlers – Fortitude Lion – Courage Leaves - Nature Pelican – Generosity & Lightning – Decisiveness Devotion Moon – Sincerity Raven – Constancy Oyster Shell – Traveler Snake – Ambition Ring – Fidelity Stag, Elk, or Deer – Peace & Scepter – Justice Harmony Star – Nobility Tiger – Fierceness & Valor Sun – Glory Unicorn – Extreme courage Sword – Warlike Wolf – Constant vigilance Tree - Nature Castle – Protectiveness Wings - Honor
On the back of your Coat of Arms, be sure to explain your choice of colors, symbols, family name, and motto.
Name: ______
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Name: ______
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Name: ______
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Name: ______
______Name: ______
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