Heraldry - S
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Glossary

Medieval Heraldry A to Z - S

Click the shields below to launch the TimeRef Shield Editor and create your own design.

Designs, or coat of arms, were invented to help recognise one person from another. How far back this idea was first put into practice is not known but from the first half of the twelfth century (1100-1150) knights began to use designs on their flags and shields to identify themselves in battle and in tournaments. The designs commonly passed down from one generation to the next and became means of identifying an entire family and not just a single person. The term 'coat of arms' comes the the surcoat, a textile garment, that was worn over the armour and was decorated with the same design as the shield.

Sabre

The sabre often symbolizes a warrior's courage and willingness to fight for justice. Strength in battle and readiness to fight.

Salmon

The salmon can represent wisdom, knowledge, perseverance, and determination. It can also represents sustenance and prosperity.

Saturn

As one of the planetary symbols, Saturn can signify constancy, discipline, endurance, prudence. it can be connected with agriculture or time.

Scales

The scales represents justice, fairness, integrity, balance, and equity. it is often associated with legal authority or moral judgment.

Sceptre

Royal or sovereign authority, rightful rule, command, and leadership.

Serpent

The Serpent signifies wisdom, cunning, renewal, guardianship, and sometimes healing.

Seahorse

Protection of sailors, imagination, mystery, and power over the sea. The seahorse sometimes symbolizes persistence or safe travel over water.

Sheep

The sheep can be used to signify gentleness, peace, innocence, pastoral life, and humility. It may also signify sacrifice or steadfastness.

Ship's Wheel

The ship's wheel represents guidance, navigation, leadership, and control over one's destiny. It can be associated with maritime experience or mastery.

Snake

Similar to serpent: wisdom, fertility, rejuvenation, guardianship, and subtle power; sometimes danger or prudence.

Sun

Glory, splendour, vitality, life, power, and enlightenment. The sun symbolizes absolute authority or brilliance.

Sun in Splendour

A specific form of the sun with face and rays: magnificence, divine favor, illumination, and life-giving power.

Swan

Grace, purity, beauty, love, poetry, harmony. The swan also symbolizes loyalty and sometimes transformation.

Sword

The sword signifies justice, honor, chivalry, military strength, and readiness to defend. It also symbolizes authority or decisive action.

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