Technically, the term family crest refers to the image that appears on the helmet of a familys coat of arms, a family symbol that dates back to the medieval time period. However, over the years, the term family crest has become a synonym for coat of arms. (See References 2)
Origins
In medieval times, a coat of arms would be granted to an individual. The individual passed down the coat of arms to family descendants, turning the coat of arms into a family symbol. (See References 2)
Significance
Warriors used to wear their family crest into battle to show pride. The family crest also helped to identify any causalities of battle. (See References 1)
Types
Family crests come in seven colors--gold, silver, black, red, blue, green and purple. The family crests color represents the familys charge (role in society). (See References 1)
Images
The images on a familys coat of arms represents that familys supposed characteristics. For examples, a unicorn symbolizes purity, and a boar symbolizes endurance and courage. (See References 3)
Considerations
You can go to various websites to view your family crest. Go to websites such as House of Names and All Family Crests (both links can be found under resources), and type in your last name to view your familys coat of arms. (See Resources 1 and 2)
