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Heraldry . What is it and why it was used?. Heraldry. Knights needed a new form of identification during battle--other than their faces. They started decorating their outer garments, flags and shields, eventually leading to heraldry, the creating of coats of arms.
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Heraldry What is it and why it was used?
Heraldry • Knights needed a new form of identification during battle--other than their faces. • They started decorating their outer garments, flags and shields, eventually leading to heraldry, the creating of coats of arms. • This is where our picture of the medieval era comes from--decorative crests, symbolism, magical beasts. • Each color, pattern, and image stands for something different, allowing each knight to personalize his ID. • The crests came in helpful as nobles--many who couldn't even sign their own name--made seals out of them to use as their stamp of approval.
Heraldry today • Heraldry is still alive today; many families, churches, and schools have their own coat of arms. • Today they are no longer needed but are retained for their symbolic and sentimental value.