Knightly Symbols
Students will:
• Learn about the art of heraldry and coats of arms, and their role in a knight’s life and career
• Gain a basic understanding of symbolism on coats of arms and what different colors, animals,
and patterns mean
• Assessment: Create their own family coat of arms that contains colors, images, and a motto that
apply to their own families
Time Requirement:
60-90 minutes
Supplies:
Heraldic Ordinaries sheet (included)
Colors and Symbolism chart (included)
Blank shields (size/material can vary according to resources) or copies of shield outline (one per student,
included)
Crayons, markers, colored pencils, or paints and paintbrushes (as appropriate)
Guided Discussion:
1. Just like sports today, knights took place in competitions called tournaments hundreds of years
ago. When we watch a sports event today, how can we tell which player is which and what team
they belong to?
2. As with uniforms today, each knight had a special design, called a coat of arms, so that people
could identify who he was. Coats of arms contained colors and symbols that were important to
their families. These symbols made them recognizable to the people in the crowd, many of
whom were poor and could not read a knight’s name.
3. Display the blank shield outline. Many knights displayed their coat of arms on their shield. A
shield was often divided using designs called ordinaries. Display or pass out the Heraldic
Ordinaries sheet.
4. The colors on a coat of arms represented qualities that were meaningful to the knight or his
family. Usually, 2-4 colors were used on a coat of arms. Ask students what colors represent their
(or their favorite professional) sports team(s). Go over the seven main tinctures, or colors, used
in medieval coats of arms, and their meanings on the Colors and Symbolism chart. Do colors
have certain meaning to students? When they see black, white, yellow, or some other color,
what do students think of or feel?
5. Coats of arms also contained animals or objects with special meanings. These were similar to
team mascots of today. Who are the mascots from students’ favorite sports teams? Make
connections with if a modern mascot if it is the same as a heraldic animal/symbol (birds, lion,
tiger, etc.). Briefly go over a number of the animals on the given list and their meanings. The list
may be reproduced for individual or small groups of students to study at their leisure.
6. Another important element of a coat of arms is a motto. A motto is a short saying that describes
a family, its character, and goals.
Classroom Activity:
1. Distribute a shield to each student. First, have them choose one of the seven ordinaries as the
base design for their field. After they have chosen an ordinary, have them decorate it with
color(s), symbolism, and a motto that represents themselves and their families. Why did they
choose the symbols and motto they did?
Extension Activity:
• Family was essential in determining someone’s eligibility for knighthood, and in developing a
coat of arms. At tournaments, knights would have to prove that they descended from a noble
line in order to compete. Have students create their own family tree, tracing back their lineage
at least three generations. For a full lesson plan, see What’s in a (Family) Name? (Social
Studies).
Missouri Grade Level Expectations (GLEs):
Visual Arts – Strand I: Product/Performance
1. Select and apply two-dimensional media, techniques, an processes to communicate ideas and
solve challenging visual art problems
3. Communicate ideas about subject matter and themes in artworks created for various purposes.
Visual Arts – Strand III: Artistic Perceptions
1. Investigate the nature of art and discuss responses to artworks
Visual Arts – Strand IV: Interdisciplinary Connections
1. Explain the connection between Visual Art and Communication Arts, Math, Science or Social
Studies
Visual Arts – Strand V: Historical and Cultural Contexts
1. Compare and contrast artworks from different historical time periods and/or cultures
Social Studies
3b. Knowledge of continuity and change in the history of the world
5. Knowledge of relationships of the individual and groups to institutions and cultural traditions
Communication Arts – Listening and Speaking
1. Develop and apply effective listening skills and strategies
Heraldic Ordinaries
Colors and Symbolism
Color
White/Silver
Gold
Blue
Red
Purple
Black
Green
Meaning
Peace, Generosity, Wisdom
Faith, Obedience, Generosity
Piety, Sincerity, Loyalty
Boldness, Power
Justice, Royalty
Faithful, Reliability
Joy, Beauty, Loyalty
Animal
Bear
Boar
Bull
Camel
Cat
Deer
Dog
Dove
Dragon
Eagle
Elephant
Fish
Fox
Leopard
Lion
Owl
Peacock
Rabbit
Snake
Swan
Tiger
Meaning
Strength
Bravery
Bravery, Generosity
Patience
Liberty, Courage
Peace, Harmony
Courage, Loyalty
Peace, Love
Valor, Protection
Strength, Bravery
Strength, Happiness, Luck
Generosity, Virtue
Wise, Witty
Bravery
Courage
Vigilance, Wisdom
Beauty, Power, Knowledge
Peaceful, Quiet
Wisdom
Harmony, Learning, Grace
Fierceness, Bravery
More Symbols and Meanings
Symbol
Acorn
Apple
Bow and Arrow
Candle
Clouds
Crown
Flowers
Globe
Helmet
Horseshoe
Keys
Ladder
Lightning Bolt
Rock
Scales
Star
Sun
Sword
Table
Torch
Tower
Tree
Meaning
Strength
Happiness, Peace
Power, War
Light, Life
Mystery
Royalty
Hope, Joy
World Travel
Strength, Protection
Good Luck
Authority
Fearlessness
Swiftness, Power
Safety, Protection
Justice
Noble Person
Glory
Justice, Honor
Hospitality, Generosity
Life, Truth, Intelligence
Safety
Life