The tradition of choosing a coat of arms - a distinctive sign, passed down from generation to generation, is deeply rooted in antiquity and begins with totems. The word "totem" means "his kind", it came from the Indians of North America.
Instructions
Step 1
In ancient times, each clan chose a "sacred patron sign" for itself, it could be an animal or plant, from which, as they believed, the tribe took its origins. Totemism was also known among the Slavic tribes, the chosen "sacred patrons" gave rise to many modern Russian surnames.
Step 2
Other prototypes of coats of arms include various images that adorn military banners, armor, and sometimes personal belongings of legendary knights, kings and generals of the era of antiquity. But often these emblems were only decoration and could change.
Step 3
The appearance of coats of arms in the form known to modern people originates in Europe in the 10th century, at the time of the emergence of feudalism with a hereditary aristocracy. In the 11th century, images of coats of arms are increasingly found on seals that seal contracts. It is worth noting that in an era of low literacy development, the use of the official seal was the only way to confirm one's identity and served as a signature to certify documents.
Step 4
Wars were another prerequisite for the rooting of the genealogical coat of arms. In the 12th century, the armor of knights becomes more complex and covers its wearer from head to toe, which makes all warriors the same; under such conditions, in the midst of a battle, it would be difficult to distinguish an opponent from an ally, and it was here that the patrimonial banners came to the rescue. The coat of arms served as a means of communication, conveying certain information about its owner, and helped to identify each other, overcoming the language barrier and illiteracy. Therefore, we can say with confidence that it was the crusades, and later knightly tournaments, that contributed to the widespread dissemination of coats of arms.
Step 5
Over time, knowledge about coats of arms was systematized, general rules for creating and determining the meanings of symbols were developed. There were people who were well versed in this - heralds or heralds. They announced the appearance of the knights at the tournament and, judging by the coats of arms, told about them. Hence the science of coats of arms - heraldry (from the late Latin "heraldus" - herald) takes its name.
Step 6
The city and state coats of arms were usually based on the family coats of arms of the ruling dynasties or images telling about the sights of historical events or the typical fishing industry. Mixed coats of arms are most common.
