Heraldry is the practice of designing, displaying, describing and recording coats of arms and heraldic badges. Historically, it has been variously described as "the shorthand of history" and "the floral border in the garden of history." The origins of heraldry lie in the need to distinguish ...
10
votes
1answer
94 views
Why were balls used on the Medici coat of arms?
I've heard they represent the weighted balls used to measure goods, alluding to Florence's history as a commercial city and the Medici family's history as merchants and bankers. I've also heard that ...
2
votes
1answer
84 views
What were the animals on the Coat of Arms of Edward IV of England?
(Asked after reading this answer in SciFi&Fantasy SE):
I think that whole Stark (York) and Lanister (Lancaster) feud is reference to War of Roses. Both houses descended from house Plantagenet ...
7
votes
3answers
1k views
Lion in the european monarchies' flags
I recently found out that most of the European monarchies have the same kind of lion in their flag. As you can see it is a lion with a strange long tongue:
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Prince of ...
7
votes
1answer
387 views
What is the origin of the rampant lion herald?
We often see the image of the rampant lion used as a symbol in heraldry and other places. I understand the significance of the lion, and I am aware that ancient art often incorporated the lion, but ...
