The "Meaning" of Coats of Arms
Generally speaking it is almost always impossible to accurately decipher the meaning of the symbolism on any personal coat of arms. Many of the arms in use today, or on which today's coats of arms are based, were granted hundreds of years ago and if there was ever a specific meaning to the symbols, then this is probably lost in history. Even in situations where there are records of the granting of arms, rarely, if ever, is the symbolic significance recorded.
There are of course exceptions. For example, in civic heraldry, coats of arms of towns, regions and countries often have clear symbolism. For example, the coat of arms of Cork shows a tall ship entering the harbour, clearly symbolising Cork's history as an important sea-port. Rarely though are personal arms so easily deciphered, but sometimes it can be done.
Occupational names can often be reflected in their arms. Examples include the Catherine wheel on the Wheeler arms (the Catherine wheel is an instrument of torture, so I hesitate to guess what the Wheeler's original occupation was); the garbs (or sheaf) found on some Weaver arms; the wheel on the Cartwright arms and so on.
Other easily deciphered symbols are those of canting arms in which the arms represent a pun on the bearer's name. For example the arms of Calfe include a calf (the animal not the body part), those of Dove a dove and the Ahernes and Hearns proudly display a heron.
Some emigrant families added symbols relating to their homeland to their arms. It is not unusual to find arms of people of Irish origin living in England decorated with green trefoils (shamrocks). Similarly many French families living abroad added a fleur de lys. Similarly the reverse is often true and it is very common to find the arms of branches of English families living in Ireland adding a trefoil (or shamrock) to the traditional family symbolism.
Animals, real and mythical, are used frequently in heraldry and have some general significance. The lion is conventionally regal, the unicorn is a symbol of purity, the boar is a Celtic symbol of endurance and courage, and so on.
There are some symbols that have a specific significance in Irish Heraldry . . .
The severed red right hand (dexter hand couped at the wrist gules) is a feature of many coats of arms for families of the Uí Neill (i.e. descendants of Niall). This same symbol is associated with the province of Ulster and appears on the Arms of that province and on the modern flag of Northern Ireland. There are at least three explanations of its origins. The first relates to the name of the son of Bolg or Nuadu, the Sun God of the Celts, and by some accounts the divine progenitor of all Celts. This son was known as Labraid Lámhdhearg (Labraid of the Red Hand). The association of the symbolic red hand with the Sun God, therefore makes it an appropriate heraldic icon. The second relates to Nuada, king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, who had his right hand severed by Sreng during a great battle with the Fomorians. No imperfect man being allowed to hold the throne, Nuada was forced to abdicate in favour of Bres. However, a silver hand was fashioned for him and the power of ancient magic was used to cause flesh and sinew to grow back around the prosthesis. When Bres died, Nuada again assumed his royal place. The third explanation is somewhat more fanciful. The story tells of a pact among the seven sons of Miledh of Esbain, the Celtic king who sons conquered Ireland that the ruler of the new land would be whosoever among them first touched the soil of the island. As the flotilla approached the shore, one of the sons took his sword, cut off his right hand and threw it to land, thus becoming the ruler. He must have been either left handed or pretty stupid (or both) otherwise it is unlikely that he could have thrown the severed hand well enough to accomplish his purpose. Certainly, he was left handed for the rest of his life. The story, if true, may relate to Erimhon who is reputed to have been the first Celtic ruler of the northern part of Ireland. His brother Ebher ruled the southern half. They were the only two of the seven brothers who survived the conquest.
The lion is a common heraldic symbol in many countries, but in Ireland it may have some special significance in regard to Milesius, Celtic King of Spain and supposed forefather of the Celts of Ireland. According to O'Hart's Irish Pedigrees "Milesius of Spain bore three Lions in his shield and standard, for the following reasons; namely, that, in his travels in his younger days into foreign countries, passing through Africa, he, by his cunning and valour, killed in one morning three Lions; and that, in memory of so noble and valiant an exploit, he always after bore three Lions on his shield, which his two surviving sons Heber and Heremon, and his grandson Heber Donn, son of Ir, after their conquest of Ireland, divided amongst them, as well as they did the country: each of them. bearing a Lion in his shield and banner, but of different colours; which the Chiefs of their posterity continue to this day: some with additions and differences; others plain and entire as they had it from their ancestors."
The stag which appears in the arms of many Munster families - MacCarthy, O'Sullivan and many others - relates very clearly to the kingship myth of the Erainn peoples. In this myth, the legitimacy of the ruling house is confirmed when a stag enters; the animal is hunted, and the border of the territory is defined by the chase; the future ruler is the individual who eventually slays the stag. What the many families displaying the stag in their arms have in common is that they were originally part of the great Eoghanacht tribal grouping, which dominated Munster until the time of Brian Boru. The stag was self-evidently an appropriate choice of symbol.
As in Ulster and Munster, so in Connacht the arms of the ruling family, the O'Conors, and of a whole host of others connected with them - Flanagan, O'Beirne and many more - all display a common symbol, in this case the oak tree. Again, the reason lies in pre-Christian belief, in the old Celtic reverence for the oak, and its resulting association with kingship. Medieval sources record ruling families having at least one sacred tree outside the family's ring-fort.
Another peculiarly Irish heraldic symbol is the evett or lizard, which is almost always depicted green. I am unaware of its significance, but given Ireland's general lack of reptiles, it is a rather odd symbol to be almost exclusively Gaelic. Perhaps it is associated with St. Patrick's banishment of snakes, toads and other obnoxious reptiles.
The harp is the main heraldic symbol of Ireland and it appears on the coat of arms of the country. However, it rarely features on personal coats of arms.
There is a heraldic crown that is known as an "ancient Irish crown". This symbol features on the arms of Munster and also on several personal arms as an adornment on animals such as lions, either worn on the head or around the neck.
Apart from those mentioned above, it is just about impossible to know quite what the herald or bearer had in mind when a coat of arms was originally designed.
I hope in the above text I have given you some sense of the futility of trying to interpret the symbolism on a coat of arms. Having done that (and if I haven't please re-read the foregoing passages) I would now like to point out some general meanings that have been attached to heraldic symbols. This is not to say that I believe these interpretations to be accurate. I am merely reporting them here in order to avoid future correspondence asking me to interpret coats of arms. The "meanings" below are NOT mine – nor do I put any faith in them.
For what they are worth (which is not much) here they are
Tinctures (colours)
Or (yellow or gold): Generosity and elevation of the mind
Argent (white or silver): Peace and sincerity
Gules (Red): Warrior or martyr; Military strength and magnanimity
Azure (Blue): Truth and loyalty
Vert (Green): Hope, joy, and loyalty in love
Sable (Black): Constancy or grief
Pupure (Purple): Royal majesty, sovereignty, and justice
Tawny or Tenne (Orange): Worthy ambition
Sanguine or Murray (Maroon): Patience in battle, and yet victorious
Furs (ermine, ermines, erminois, vair, counter vair, pean, potent counter potent): Dignity
Arms may include lines or ordinaries that are shaped by lines as follows . . .
Nebuly: Clouds or air
Wavy: Sea or water
Engrailed: Earth or land
Invected: Earth or land
Indented: Fire
Dancette: Water
Raguly: Difficulties that have been encountered
Embattled: Walls of a fortress or town (also, fire)
Symbols
In additon to symbolic meanings, some symbols are used to signify relationship to the original grantee. These symbols are known as "differences" or "marks of cadency" and are the distinctions sometimes used to indicate the various branches or cadets of one family. These are quite specific and range as follows
Label - eldest son
Crescent - second son
Mullet - third son
Martlet - fourth son
Annulet - fifth son
Fleur-de-lis - sixth son
Rose - seventh son
Cross moline - eigth son
Double quatrefoil - ninth son
Symbolic meanings
Acacia: Eternal and affectionate remembrance
Agricultural Tools: Labouring in the earth and depending upon providence
Anchor: Hope
Angel: Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news
Ant: Great labour, wisdom, and providence in one's affairs
Antlers: Strength and fortitude
Anvil: Honour
Apple: Felicity and peace
Arm in Armour: Leadership
Arm Naked: Industry
Arrow: Readiness (for battle); if depicted with a cross, represents an affliction
Ass: Patience and humility
Axe: Execution of military duty
Banners: Special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant service
Bar, Barry, or Barrulet: One who sets the bar of conscience, religion, and honour against angry passions and evil temptations
Barry Wavy: Troubles keep us in continuous exercise and reminders of providence (as waves in a storm at sea)
Baton: Authority
Battle Axe: Execution of military duty
Bay Leaves: Poet or victor's laurel
Beacon: One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of danger
Bear: Strength, cunning, ferocity in the protection of one's kindred
Beaver: Industry and perseverance
Bee: Efficient industry
Bell: Power to disperse evil spirits; a hawk's bells denotes one not afraid of signalling his approach in peace or war
Bend: Scarf or shield suspender of a knight commander; signifies defence or protection
Boar: Bravery; fights to the death. Celtic symbol of endurance and courage
Boar's Head: Hospitality
Bones: Mortality
Book: Open: manifestation; closed: counsel
Bow: Readiness (for battle)
Bridge: Governor or magistrate
Broom: Humility
Buck: One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony
Buckle: Victorious fidelity in authority
Bull: Valour, bravery, generosity
Bull's Horns: Strength and fortitude
Butterfly: Soul
Camel: Docility, patience, and perseverance
Cannon and Cannon Balls: One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle
Canton: Recognition from the sovereign for performance of eminent service
Carnation: Admiration
Carpenter's Square: Conforming one's actions to the laws of right and equity
Castle: Safety. May represent an actual building
Cat: Liberty, vigilance, forecast, and courage
Centaur: Eminence in the field of battle
Chain: Reward for acceptable and weighty service; with crowns and collars, this suggests the bearer bore the chain of obligation or obliged others because of services done
Chaplet: Crown of joy and admiration
Cherub: Dignity, glory, and honour; missionary; bearer of joyful news
Chevron: Protection; Builders or others who have accomplished some work of faithful service
Chough (Cornish): Strategist in battle; watchful for friends
Cinquefoils: Hope and joy
Civic Wreath: (of oak leaves and acorns) One who saved a fellow citizen's life or shown patriotism in defence of one's native land
Clarion: Ready for war
Claw: The biter bitten
Cock: Courage and perseverance; hero; able in politics
Cockatrice: Terror to all beholders
Column: Fortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around it, wisdom with fortitude
Cornucopia: Bounty of nature
Crane: Close parental bond; Vigilance if holding a rock
Crescent: One who has been honoured by the sovereign; hope of greater glory. Mark of the second son.
Cresset: One who is watchful, who gave the signal in time of danger
Cross: Service in the Crusades
Cross Crosslet: The fourfold mystery of the cross
Cross Flory: One who has conquered
Cross Raguly: Difficulties encountered
Crown (Mural): Defender of a fortress, token of civic honour; one who first mounted the breach in the walls of a fortress
Crown (Naval): One who first boarded an enemy's ship; distinguished naval commander
Cup (covered): Office of the king's butler
Cushions: Authority
Cygnet: Where gorged with a crown around its neck, signifies dignity
Cypress: Death and eternal life thereafter
Deer: One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony
Dice: Constancy
Dolphin: Swiftness, diligence, charity, and love
Dragon: Valiant defender of treasure; valour and protection
Drops: One who has endured torrents of liquids, as in battle, depending upon the colour of the liquid.
Yellow: gold Blue: tears Green: oil White: water Black: pitch or tar Red: blood
Drum: Ready for war
Dove: Loving constancy and peace; with an olive branch in its bill, good tidings
Duck: Resourcefulness
Eagle: Nobility, strength, bravery, and alertness; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious
Eagle displayed (wings spread): protection
Eagle (two headed): Conjoining of two forces
Elephant: Great strength, wit, and ambition
Escallop: (sea shell) Traveller to far places or victorious naval commander
Escarbuncle: Supremacy; brilliant gem
Escutcheon of Pretence: Claim of a prince to sovereignty; or marriage to an heiress of the family
Estoile: Celestial goodness; nobility
Falcon: One who does not rest until objective achieved
Feathers: Obedience and serenity
Fess: Military belt or girdle of honour; represents readiness to serve the public
Fetterlock: Victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of war
Fife: Ready for war
Fire: Zealousness
Fish: A true, generous mind; virtuous for himself, not because of his heritage
Flag: Refer to special action in which bearer was captured, or a reward for valiant service
Fleur-de-lys: Purity; light; floral badge of France; represents sixth son as mark of cadency
Flint: Readiness for zealous service
Flowers: Hope and joy
Fountain: Water, a spring
Fox: Defensive wisdom and wit
Fret: Persuasion
Fruit: Felicity and peace
Fusil: Travel and labour
Fusil of Yarn: Negotiation
Gannet: One who has to subsist by virtue and merit
Garb or Sheaf of wheat: The harvest of one's hopes has been secured
Gauntlet: Armed for the performance of martial enterprise
Goat: Political ability
Goose: Resourcefulness
Grasshopper: Noble and home-bred
Grenade: One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle
Greyhound: Courage, vigilance, and loyalty
Griffin: Valour and death-defying bravery; vigilance
Hammer: Honour; emblem of trade
Hand: Pledge of faith, sincerity, and justice; two right hands conjoined represent union and alliance
Hare: One who enjoys a peaceable and retired life
Harp: Well-composed person of tempered judgement; contemplation; heraldic symbol of Ireland
Harpy: Ferocity under provocation
Hawk: One who does not rest until objective achieved
Head (Human): Honour; if the head of a "blackamoor" or Moor, refers to deeds of prowess in the Crusades
Heart Flaming: Intense, burning affection
Heart Human: Charity and sincerity
Hedgehog: Provident provider
Helmet: wisdom and security in defence
Hind: Peace and harmony
Holly: Truth
Horns: Strength and fortitude
Horse: Readiness for all employment for king and country
Horseshoe: Good luck and safeguard against evil spirits
Hourglass: Flight of time; mortality
Hunting Horn: One who is fond of the chase, of high pursuits
Hydra: Conquest of a very powerful enemy
Inescutcheon: Claim of a prince to sovereignty; or marriage to an heiress of the family
Ivy: Strong and lasting friendship
Inkhorn: Art of writing and educated employment
Keys: Guardianship and dominion
Ladder: Fearlessness; against a tower, be on guard against spiritual and corporeal enemies
Lamb: Gentleness and patience under suffering
Lamb (Agnus Dei): Faith, Bravery, resolute spirit
Laurel: Peace; triumph
Leg: Strength, stability, and expedition
Leopard: Valiant and hardy warrior who enterprises hazardous things by force and courage
Lightning Bolt: Swiftness and power
Lily: Purity
Lion: Dauntless courage; often represents a person or group of people
Lozenge: Constancy
Lyre: Contemplation; tempered judgement
Marigold: Devotion and piety
Martlet: Symbol of the fourth son (mark of difference); one who subsists by virtue and merit, not inheritance
Mascle: Persuasiveness
Mastiff: Courage, vigilance, and loyalty
Maunch: For the sake of my lady
Mermaid: Eloquence
Moon: Serene power over mundane actions
Moor: Dates back to the Middle Ages when it was considered an honour to take a Moor's head
Mortar: One who has dared the terror of such a weapon in battle
Mule: Often borne by abbots and abbesses who have pastoral jurisdiction, but not real jurisdiction
Mullet: Divine quality from above; mark of third son
Musical: Pipes Festivity and rejoicing
Oak: Great age and strength
Oak with Acorns: Continuous growth and fertility
Olive: Peace and concordance
Ostrich: Willing obedience and serenity
Otter: One who lives life to the fullest
Ox: Valour and generosity
Pale: Military strength
Palm: Victory, justice, and royal honour
Panther: Fierce, but tender and loving to children and will defend children to the death
Passion Nails: Poignant suffering undergone by the bearer
Pavilion: Readiness for battle
Peacock: Beauty, power, and knowledge
Pears: Felicity and peace
Pegasus: Poetic genius and inspiration
Pelican: Self-sacrifice and charitable nature (based on the myth that of times of famine a female pelican will nourish her young by piercing her breast having them feed on her blood)
Pen: Art of writing and educated employment
Pheon: Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battle
Phoenix: Resurrection
Pile: Engineering skills, builder
Pillar: Fortitude and constancy; with serpent coiled around, wisdom with fortitude
Pincers: Honour; emblem of the smith's trade
Pine: Death and eternal life thereafter
Pine Cone: Life
Pipes: Festivity and rejoicing
Plume: Willing obedience and serenity of mind
Pomegranate: Fertility and abundance
Portcullis: Protection in an emergency
Quatrefoil: Good tidings
Rabbit: Peaceable and retired life
Rainbow: Good times after bad
Ram: Authority
Ratch-hound: Loyalty, courage, and vigilance
Raven: Divine providence
Rhinoceros: Ferocious when aroused
Rock: Safety and protection; refuge
Rose: Mark of cadency of the seventh son
Rose Red: Grace and beauty
Rose White: Love and faith
Roundles
Gold / Yellow (bezant): trustworthy or treasure
White / silver (plate): generosity
Green (pomeis): apple
Purple (golpe): wounded
Blue (hurt): berry
Black (pellet or ogress): cannonball
Red (torteau): communion wafer or manchet cake
Tawney (orange): oranges
Saddle: Preparedness for active service
Salamander: Protection
Saltire: Resolution
Scythe / Sickle: The hope of a fruitful harvest
Seraphim: Dignity, glory, and honour missionary; bearer of joyful news
Serpent / Snake: Wisdom
Shacklebolt: Victory; one who has taken prisoners or rescued prisoners of war
Shamrock: Perpetuity; floral device of Ireland
Shield: Defender
Ship: Sea voyages
Ship: Demasted Disaster at sea
Skull: Mortality
Snail: Deliberation and perseverance
Snake: Wisdom
Spear: Honourable warrior; valiant knight
Spearhead: Dexterity and nimble wit; readiness for battle
Sphere: Geographical or scientific reference
Sphinx: Omniscience and secrecy
Spider: Wisdom, labour, and prudence
Spur: Preparedness for active service; pressing onward
Squares: Constancy
Squirrel: Lover of the woods
Stag: One who will not fight unless provoked; peace and harmony
Stag's Antlers: Strength and fortitude
Steel: Readiness for zealous service
Stirrup: Readiness for active service
Stool: Hospitality
Stork: Filial duty; close parental bond; holding a rock; vigilance
Sun: Glory and splendour; fountain of life
Swallow: One who is prompt and ready in doing business; bearer of good news
Swan: Poetic harmony and learning, or lover thereof
Sword: Justice and military honour
Table: Hospitality
Tabor: Festivity and rejoicing
Talbot: Courage, vigilance, and loyalty
Tent: Readiness for battle
Tiger: Fierceness and valour; resentment dangerous if aroused
Torch: Zealousness; engaging in signal service
Tortoise: Invulnerability to attack
Tower: Safety and grandeur; sometimes a building
Tree: Trunk New life sprouting from the old
Trefoil: Perpetuity, if green, symbol of Ireland
Trestle: Hospitality
Trumpet: Ready for war
Unicorn: Extreme courage; virtue and strength
Vine: Strong and lasting friendship
Water Bouget: One who carried water to an army or a besieged place
Wheat-Ears: Faithfulness
Wheat Garb or Sheaf: The harvest of one's hopes has been secured
Wheel: Fortune
Wheel (Catherine): Torture
Wings: Swiftness and protection
Wolf: Reward from perseverance in long sieges and/or hard industry
Woodbine: Love that does not injure that which it clings to
Wreath: Triumph
Wyvern: Valour and protection
Yew: Death and eternal life thereafter