Introduction
Blazon is the formal, codified language used to describe the design and elements of a heraldic achievement. Originating in medieval Europe, it provides a concise, unambiguous method for recording, transmitting, and reproducing coats of arms across time and geography. The term derives from the Old French verb blasonner, meaning “to proclaim” or “to proclaim a flag.” While blazon remains most closely associated with heraldry, its principles have influenced other fields such as vexillology, genealogy, and even modern graphic design.
Etymology and Historical Development
Early Roots
The earliest systematic use of blazon appears in the 13th‑century Italian treatise De laude et insignia (c. 1250), where heraldic symbols were described in Latin. By the 14th century, the practice had spread to France and England, where local heralds developed regional styles of description. The English heraldic rolls of arms, compiled by the College of Arms, are notable examples of early blazon records.
Codification in the 15th and 16th Centuries
During the late Middle Ages, heraldic authorities such as the College of Arms in London (established 1484) and the Court of the Dukes of Burgundy formalized blazon conventions. Texts like Sir Thomas Phillipps’s General Armory (1581) and the Dutch treatise Gilden, Vrouwe en Kroon van de Burcht (1596) codified the syntax and vocabulary. These works introduced the use of tinctures, ordinaries, charges, and other elements, establishing a common language that could be understood by heralds, artists, and armorialists.
Standardization in the Modern Era
The 19th and 20th centuries saw further refinement. The Heraldry Society of England (founded 1876) and the International Federation of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences (Fédération Internationale de Recherche Généalogique et Héraldique, 1947) produced guidelines that harmonized blazon across linguistic and national boundaries. The 1972 publication Blazoning: A Handbook of Heraldic Description by R. L. F. C. Smith is still cited as a reference in contemporary practice.
Terminology and Language
Tinctures and Colours
Blazon uses a specialized set of terms to refer to colours (tinctures). The principal metals are Or (gold) and Argent (silver), while principal colours include Gules (red), Sable (black), Azure (blue), Vert (green), and Purpure (purple). Secondary tinctures such as Azure and Vert may be modified by terms like azureish or greenish to indicate subtle variations.
Ordinaries and Subordinaries
An ordinary is a basic geometric figure, for example, a bend (a diagonal stripe) or a chevron (an inverted V). Subordinaries, like pale (vertical stripe) or fess (horizontal stripe), share the same classification but differ in shape or orientation. The distinction is crucial for accurate blazoning because each ordinary conveys different symbolic meanings.
Charges and Symbols
Charges are objects or figures placed on the field of a shield, such as animals, plants, or celestial bodies. Common charges include lion, eagle, cross, and crescent. Each charge carries traditional symbolism: for instance, the lion often represents courage, while the cross denotes faith.
Structure of a Blazon
Order of Description
A blazon follows a strict sequence: the field (background) is described first, followed by ordinaries or charges, and finally any minor elements. For example, a typical blazon might read: “Per pale Gules and Azure, a lion rampant Or, on a canton of the last, an ermine spot sable.” This sentence lists the field division, the primary charge, and an additional detail, maintaining clarity.
Syntax and Grammar
Blazon grammar relies on a set of adjectives and nouns placed in a fixed order. The field is described by a tincture or a division of the field. Afterward, ordinaries or charges follow, each accompanied by their tincture. Modifiers such as proper (natural coloration) or argent (silver) may be inserted as needed. The syntax ensures that no ambiguity arises when a heraldic description is read aloud or transcribed.
Blazoning Practices in Different Regions
English and Anglo‑American Tradition
English blazon uses the term “quartering” to describe the division of a shield into four or more parts. The use of cantons and fess are also common. In Canada, the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada extends these conventions, adding specific terms for Canadian symbols.
French and Iberian Traditions
French heraldry favors a more descriptive style that sometimes includes the shape of the shield itself. Spanish blazon incorporates unique charges such as the escudilla (small shield) and often references the historical arms of municipalities.
German and Central European Variations
German blazon places importance on the Stirnbande (crest) and the use of Wappenbuch (coat-of-arms book). The German tradition often uses Schweizer (Swiss) terms for elements like the Hochgericht (high court) symbol.
Scandinavian Adaptations
In Scandinavia, blazon incorporates Norse symbols such as the Runestone and Viking Shield. The Swedish Världens rike (World Empire) concept reflects nationalistic trends in the 19th century.
Common Terms and Symbols
Ordinaries
- Bend – A diagonal stripe from the top left to the bottom right.
- Cheval de frise – A series of spikes along a stripe.
- Gordons – Narrow, vertical stripes.
Charges
- Animal Charges – Lions, eagles, bears, etc.
- Plant Charges – Trees, leaves, or flowers.
- Religious Symbols – Crosses, crescents, or stars.
Other Notable Elements
- Escutcheon – The shield itself.
- Supporters – Figures on either side of the shield.
- Compartment – The base upon which the shield and supporters stand.
- Crest – The figure placed above the helmet.
Modern Usage
Genealogy and Family History
Blazon is indispensable for genealogists verifying the authenticity of family coats of arms. Many family histories incorporate detailed blazon descriptions to corroborate lineage claims.
Municipal and State Symbols
Cities, counties, and states often adopt heraldic arms that are described formally in municipal charters. For instance, the city of Zurich uses a blazon that specifies the arrangement of its coat of arms.
Corporate Logos and Branding
Some modern corporations adopt heraldic designs for their logos. While not strictly heraldic, these logos frequently use blazon-like language to describe their elements, ensuring consistency across branding materials.
Legal and Cultural Significance
Heraldic Law
In many countries, the use of heraldic symbols is regulated by heraldic authorities. The College of Arms in England, the National Heraldry Office of Spain, and the Dutch Hoge Raad van Adel are examples of bodies that oversee the proper use and registration of arms.
Patriotic and National Symbols
Blazon has influenced national flags, such as the Union Jack, which incorporates elements from the coats of arms of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Similarly, the flag of Canada includes a stylized maple leaf derived from the Royal Arms of Canada.
Digital Blazoning and Software
Heraldic Design Tools
Software like Coat of Arms Online and HeraldryWiki allow users to input a blazon and receive a graphical representation. These tools use algorithmic parsing of the blazon text to generate accurate heraldic images.
Integration with Genealogical Databases
Platforms such as Genealogy.net provide features for entering blazons associated with ancestral records. These entries facilitate cross-referencing between heraldic and genealogical data.
Open‑Source Projects
The Heraldic Parser on GitHub offers a Python library for interpreting blazon strings, aiding academic research and software development.
Examples of Blazon
Royal Arms of England
“Per fess Gules and Azure, in chief a lion rampant Or, in base a lion rampant Or, with a crown on its head proper.”
Municipal Arms of Paris
“Per pale Or and Azure, on a bend Gules a fleur-de-lis Or.”
Family Arms of the Smiths
“Per pale Gules and Sable, a chevron Or, between three lions rampant Gules.”
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