HERALDIC BEARING Meaning and
Definition
-
Heraldic bearing refers to the visual symbols and devices used in the ancient art of heraldry, which is the practice of designing and assigning coats of arms to individuals, families, organizations, and regions. These heraldic bearings, also known as armorial bearings, are typically displayed on a shield-shaped field and are associated with a person's or group's identity and ancestry.
The traditional components of heraldic bearings include charges, which are the central figures or objects on the shield, as well as other features like mantling, crest, supporters, and mottoes. Charges can be animals, plants, mythical creatures, objects, or abstract shapes, each possessing symbolic significance and often depicting qualities or achievements of the bearer. For example, a lion charge may represent bravery or nobility, while a castle charge can symbolize strength or fortitude.
Heraldic bearings can also include different heraldic tinctures, which are a limited set of colors and patterns used to depict the charges and background on the shield. These tinctures are typically divided into metals (such as gold and silver) and colors (like red, blue, and green), and their combination and arrangement allow for a wide range of design possibilities.
Heraldic bearing holds significant historical and cultural importance, as it played a crucial role in identifying individuals in battle and in social encounters. Today, heraldic bearings continue to be used in official and ceremonial contexts, often associated with noble families, aristocrats, and institutions that have maintained their heraldic tradition.
Common Misspellings for HERALDIC BEARING
- geraldic bearing
- beraldic bearing
- neraldic bearing
- jeraldic bearing
- ueraldic bearing
- yeraldic bearing
- hwraldic bearing
- hsraldic bearing
- hdraldic bearing
- hrraldic bearing
- h4raldic bearing
- h3raldic bearing
- heealdic bearing
- hedaldic bearing
- hefaldic bearing
- hetaldic bearing
- he5aldic bearing
- he4aldic bearing
- herzldic bearing
Etymology of HERALDIC BEARING
The etymology of the word "heraldic" can be traced back to the Middle English term "heraud", which came from the Old French word "heraut" and ultimately derived from the Germanic root "*harja-waldaz", meaning "war ruler" or "army commander". The term referred to an official in medieval times who announced challenges at tournaments and tournaments themselves.
The term "bearing" originated from the Old English word "beran", meaning "to carry". It then evolved to "bering" in Middle English, and eventually turned into the word "bearing" with its current meaning of "carrying" or "displaying".
When combined, the term "heraldic bearing" refers to the act of displaying one's coat of arms or the elements of heraldry, which represent a family, organization, or individual on a shield or flag.
