Prompt Cast
The History and Significance of Family Crests and Coats of Arms
TLDR Family crests and coats of arms have a long history and are highly personalized symbols that represent a family's heritage and identity. They can be registered and modified over time, and are found in various countries around the world, including Europe and Japan.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Family crests are highly individualized and personalized, making it nearly impossible to find the legitimate one that you rightfully own, despite the existence of services that claim to provide them.
04:59
The terms "family crest" and "coat of arms" are often used interchangeably, but historically there were three explanations for the difference, including the crest being a part of the larger coat of arms and the crest belonging to a family while the coat of arms belonged to an individual.
09:56
The College of Arms was formed in 1484 and has been responsible for keeping track of and registering family crests and coats of arms ever since, with the crests being passed down from male heir to male heir and modified for women.
14:42
Coats of arms can be lost over time, but if you can prove your importance, you can inherit and design a new one, as Kate Middleton did when she married Prince William.
19:25
Family crests often include mottos, scrolls, compartments, and panels representing different countries or elements from the wife's family crest, and there are certain rules and elements that must be followed, such as the inclusion of a helmet and crown.
23:48
Family crests cannot have color on color or metal on metal in a field, but can have metal on color or color on metal, and there are different registries for family crests in various European countries.
28:22
In America, family crests can be registered with the American College of Heraldry, which is a new organization that allows individuals to create and register their own family crests.
33:26
Family crests can be described using specific heraldic terms and symbols, and they originated in Europe, particularly in England, in the 12th and 13th centuries.
38:23
Family crests can also exist in Japan, where there are about 10,000 different crests, known as Mon, which are often circular and represent things like flowers or leaves, and can be found on tombstones.
43:22
To learn more about family crests and find official versions for different countries, you can search for "family crests" on howstuffworks.com and then do further research by typing in specific countries like France or Germany.
48:34
The hosts provide information about where to find their audiobook on happiness and also mention other ways to listen to their podcast and engage with them on social media.
Categories:
Society & Culture
