what is a family crest?

Answer 1

A crest is a component of an heraldic display, so called because it stands on top of a helmet, as the crest of a jay stands on the bird's head.

The earliest heraldic crests were apparently painted on metal fans, and usually repeated the coat of arms painted on the shield. Later they were sculpted of leather and other materials. Today, the crests of new Knights of the Garter and Bath are carved from lime wood by sculptor Ian G Brennan for display in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle (Garter) and Henry VII Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey (Bath).

A crest normally stands within a wreath of cloth, called a torse, in the principal colors of the shield (the liveries). Various kinds of coronet may take the place of the torse. The most frequent crest-coronet is a simplified form of a ducal coronet, with four leaves rather than eight. Towns often have a mural crown, i.e. a coronet in the form of embattled stone walls.

Objects frequently borne as crests include animals, especially lions, normally showing only the fore half; human figures, likewise often from the waist up; hands or arms holding weapons; bird's wings. In Germany and nearby countries, the crest often repeats the liveries in the form of a tall hat, a fan of plumes in alternating colors, or a pair of curving horns. The horns may have a hole in the tip to hold a cluster of plumes or flowers, and because of this have been imported to English heraldry at least once as elephant's trunks.

Crests are not normally borne by women or clergy, because they do not participate in war or tournaments and thus would not have a helm on which to wear it. An exception is the reigning queens of England or Britain, whose armorial display is indistinguishable from that of kings.

Some armigers used their crest as a personal badge, leading to the erroneous use of the word "crest" to describe a shield or full coat of arms.

While it is not strictly correct, there is a convention that a crest may be displayed within a belt and buckle by persons other than its legal bearer, signifying non-ownership.

There is a widespread misconception that a crest and a coat of arms belong to everyone with the same family name or several people descended from the same matriculator; this is due in part to Victorian stationers' marketing of engraved letterheads and in part to pretensions; this constitutes usurpation. Bogus "family crests" continue to be sold to the gullible by heraldic "bucket shops.

Answer 2

A crest is a component of an heraldic display, so called because it stands on top of a helmet, as the crest of a jay stands on the bird's head.

The earliest heraldic crests were apparently painted on metal fans, and usually repeated the coat of arms painted on the shield. Later they were sculpted of leather and other materials. Today, the crests of new Knights of the Garter and Bath are carved from lime wood by sculptor Ian G Brennan for display in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle (Garter) and Henry VII Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey (Bath).

A crest normally stands within a wreath of cloth, called a torse, in the principal colors of the shield (the liveries). Various kinds of coronet may take the place of the torse. The most frequent crest-coronet is a simplified form of a ducal coronet, with four leaves rather than eight. Towns often have a mural crown, i.e. a coronet in the form of embattled stone walls.

Objects frequently borne as crests include animals, especially lions, normally showing only the fore half; human figures, likewise often from the waist up; hands or arms holding weapons; bird's wings. In Germany and nearby countries, the crest often repeats the liveries in the form of a tall hat, a fan of plumes in alternating colors, or a pair of curving horns. The horns may have a hole in the tip to hold a cluster of plumes or flowers, and because of this have been imported to English heraldry at least once as elephant's trunks.

Crests are not normally borne by women or clergy, because they do not participate in war or tournaments and thus would not have a helm on which to wear it. An exception is the reigning queens of England or Britain, whose armorial display is indistinguishable from that of kings.

Some armigers used their crest as a personal badge, leading to the erroneous use of the word "crest" to describe a shield or full coat of arms.

While it is not strictly correct, there is a convention that a crest may be displayed within a belt and buckle by persons other than its legal bearer, signifying non-ownership.

There is a widespread misconception that a crest and a coat of arms belong to everyone with the same family name or several people descended from the same matriculator; this is due in part to Victorian stationers' marketing of engraved letterheads and in part to pretensions; this constitutes usurpation. Bogus "family crests" continue to be sold to the gullible by heraldic "bucket shops."

Answer 3

A family crest is a shield-like symbol which represents your family. You have to be either descended in the male line from someone who received a family crest from the College of Arms, or you have to apply for one from the College. Usually this is after having achieved something noteworthy in life. It is an expensive process that costs tens of thousands of pounds.

Technically, in the United Kingdom, it is illegal to use a family crest unless you are entitled to one. Just because one exists with your family name, does not give you the right to use it. It really has to be your direct male line ancestor or yourself who received the right to use it.

In the past at least, in Britain, having a crest gave someone the status of "gentleman". Someone who had not received a crest or was not descended in the male line from someone who did, was not a "gentleman". Gentlemen, however, were still commoners, because they were not titled nobility. In fact, in Britain in the past, the House of Commons was mostly composed of gentlemen.

Answer 4

A family crest is like a symbol that represents, defines or represents the entire family tree.

Answer 5

A family crest is a symbol, perhaps a logo, picture or collage of something that defines your family. Usually animals or plants and flowers. It is the crest of the family's surname, and usually means something i.e. power, stength, warmth etc etc

Hope this helps x

Answer 6

Primarily a way to identify your family,your heritage, your honors and your status. Its a picture (primarily shields and banners) of your family and your function because the majority of folks couldn't read.Look up one of the medieval sites and you'll find lots.

Answer 7

A symbol, or shield, rather... usually with a suit of arms or mythological beast such as a griffin or so on.

Answer 8

some drawing of a animal or fish or whatever on a sheet of metal or plastic or whatever

Answer 9

Shame on all of you for copying and pasting! That's not an answer, that's a textbook!