Armorial Devices and Their Meaning

 

Yew

Death and eternal life thereafter

Wyvern
(Dragon with only two legs and armed tail)

Valour and protection

Tressure Flory Counterflory

Signifies the close and longterm alliance between France and Scotland  (In Scottish arms, as descent or connection with the Royal House)

Crescent

One who has been honored by the sovereign; hope of greater glory (horns to the chief)

Gold (Or)

Generosity and elevation of the mind

Red (Gules)

Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity

Green (Vert)

Hope, joy, and loyalty in love
   

Silver or White (Argent)

Peace and sincerity

Blue (Azure)

Truth and loyalty

Black (Sable)

Constancy or grief

Purple (Purpure)

Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice

Maroon (Sanguine or Murray)

Patient in battle, and yet victorious

 

Helms/Helmets: Not a part of the official blazon, the helmet varies with the bearer's rank, the century represented,

or the herald's or artist's preference. They can be represented as either silver (argent) or gold (or).

 

Mantle/Mantling: Not a part of the official blazon (except that sometimes the colors are specified),

the design varies with the herald's or artist's preference.

This is said to represent the bearer's cloak, even though it may often look more like the leaves of a plant. The colors can be changed.

 

Shields: There is some debate as to the meaning of the shape of the shield.

Most historians agree that the shape was usually determined by the time period and geographic region.

The shape is not a part of the official blazon, so modern heraldry artists choose shapes to suit the design.