Medieval coat of arms were not only symbols of family identity but also held a great deal of historical importance. Teaching students about these symbols can broaden their understanding of European history and provide them with an opportunity to create their own coat of arms.
The purpose of the coat of arms was to identify the family and its history. Students need to first learn the history of the coat of arms. It began in the 11th century in Europe and was designed as a symbol for a family or a group of people. A coat of arms consisted of four parts, the shield, the crest, the motto, and the supporters. Each of these elements had its own meaning and history. To start with, the shield was the most important part of the coat of arms and it was divided into different sections which represented different characteristics of the family.
Moving on, the crest was a decorative element that often depicted an animal or a bird that had some special significance to the family. The motto was a Latin phrase that summed up the family’s values or beliefs. Finally, the supporters were two animals or people that stood on either side of the shield and showed support for the family. These elements were all carefully chosen and put together to create a distinctive coat of arms.
When it comes to teaching students about medieval coat of arms, it is important to understand that it was not just about creating a pretty-looking shield. These symbols held a great deal of historical importance and were very carefully designed to tell a story about the family’s past. By studying these symbols, students can learn about how people lived in the past, and get a glimpse of what life was like for them.
Creating their own coat of arms is a great way to get students engaged and interested in this subject. By designing their own coat of arms, students can learn about their own family history and the symbols that represent it. They can also learn how to design and draw their own coat of arms, which is a valuable skill for anyone interested in art or design.
