1. What is my family coat of arms?
The term “family coat of arms” is misleading; in many heraldic traditions, a coat of arms can only be officially borne by one person at a time. Thus, a coat of arms does not belong to everyone with the same surname. However, when you are granted arms, it is possible to request cadet shields—arms that are slightly different from your own—for each of your children, so that you and your children will all share the same basic coat of arms, but with particular elements that distinguish one from the other.
1a. What happens to my coat of arms when I die?
The coat of arms is passed on to your heir (which, in Canada, is the eldest child unless specified otherwise) who will, in due course, pass it on in a similar way. In turn, your other children can pass their differenced arms on to their heirs.
2. How do I verify if an ancestor had a coat of arms that I could use?
In most European systems, a coat of arms is passed on from eldest son to eldest son. You should start by researching your family genealogy: identify male ancestors to whom you may be an heir, then research those ancestors to see if they were granted arms. It should be emphasized, however, that unless there is already a documented tradition of a family using arms, the likelihood of discovering ancestral arms to which you are entitled is very slim. Undertaking genealogical research – which requires time, effort, and money – to find out more about your family history is a commendable pursuit; however, if your primary goal is to discover entitlement to a coat of arms, you are likely to be disappointed.
We are not a genealogy research service and do not have the capacity to do this research for you, but we are happy to point you in the right direction or offer leads where we can. You could hire a genealogist or you could do your own research in archives to find the original grant of arms and determine if you could inherit it (namely, if you are the oldest descendant, usually in the male line).
It is usually much simpler to create a new coat of arms rather than try to find one to which you could be the legitimate heir—as noted above, families with an inherited coat of arms still in use are very rare. If you do create your own coat of arms, you can refer to your family history, but this is not required. In the end, the arms that will be granted to you will be mostly about you, as they are personal arms.
3. Can my spouse be included in my grant?
A grant of arms may include “cadet shields”, which are the main coat of arms with minor differences; these are intended for descendants, which does not include a spouse. However, you can give permission to your spouse to use your own arms “by courtesy,” but only during your lifetime. Of course, your spouse could also request their own grant of arms. In addition, your own heraldic emblems could contain design references to your spouse.
4. Do I have permission to use images from the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada?
The copyright for all heraldic emblems created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority (CHA) belongs to the Crown (as administered by the CHA) and is freely licensed to the recipient. To reproduce any of these emblems, you must obtain permission from both the grantee and the CHA by filling out and submitting the Application Form for Copyright Clearance.
5. Can I create my own coat of arms?
Anyone can create and use a coat of arms or other heraldic emblems, as long as the emblems are unique and not already in use by somebody else. Arms that you create yourself and which are not granted are called “self-assumed arms.” Many countries do not have an office that administers heraldry, so the only way for their citizens to bear arms is by creating arms themselves, or to have them designed by someone else or a private firm specializing in creating and recording emblems.
In Canada, the granting of arms is a Royal prerogative, and grants of arms are considered an honour from the Crown. In 1988, Queen Elizabeth II authorized the Governor General to exercise that prerogative, which resulted in the creation of the Canadian Heraldic Authority (CHA). Canadian citizens, permanent residents and corporations can request a grant of arms through the CHA. In so doing, they will work with an experienced herald who will design heraldic emblems that are unique, follow heraldic conventions, and are respectful of Canadian heraldic customs and standards. A grant of arms places the emblems forever in the public record, namely the Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada, which protects the emblems in matters of copyright.
6. I’m not a Canadian citizen but I would like to have a coat of arms from the CHA. How can I do that?
Although we are always glad to hear from people from around the world who are enthusiastic about heraldry, Canadian grants of arms honour the contributions made by its citizens and permanent residents. There are a few cases in which heraldic emblems have been granted to non-Canadians or non-resident individuals, but they had to demonstrate a strong, direct and recent link to Canada.
Non-Canadians may wish to seek out either a state heraldic office that records arms from outside of its jurisdiction or a private online register. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to make any recommendations.
7. Can I create a coat of arms for a deceased relative?
Unfortunately, we cannot grant a coat of arms posthumously. The application must come directly from the petitioner (i.e., the future bearer of arms or “armiger”). The herald must then work closely with that person to develop the concept; the finished grant is made to the new armiger. It is always possible, however, for someone to apply for arms and to include in the design elements references to a deceased parent or grandparent.
8. Can I paint my own emblems or get a friend / relative / my own artist to paint them?
No. Not every artist is trained in the art of heraldry. The CHA works with an experienced group of contract artists and calligraphers. Once a grant has been completed, the grantee could certainly ask any artist to paint a rendition of the emblems, provided that the colours and charges follow the technical description. That being said, if you petition the CHA for a grant of arms, you must agree to use one of our artists for the original painting of the arms.
9. Why does it take several years to complete a grant of heraldic emblems?
It is important to remember that grants of heraldic emblems are made by the Crown, to be valid forever. As a result, a sufficient amount of time is required to carefully consider and complete each grant.
There are two major timelines in the grant process: The first being the creation of a design concept; the second is the execution of the design by a painter and calligrapher. Creating a design can happen quickly or it can take more time if it involves a lot of back-and-forth discussions between the herald and the petitioner. In the second part of the process the artist, overseen by the CHA, creates artwork for preliminary approval; this usually requires several drafts before it can be presented to the petitioner. Final artwork and calligraphy is done entirely by hand and takes several months to complete, depending on the availability of the artist. Each herald is responsible for managing several dozen files at the same time.
10. What are the main colours in heraldry?
The seven main heraldic colours are red, blue, green, purple, black, yellow and white (there are also a handful of other colours, but these are exceptional cases). These were the traditional colours available to medieval heraldic artists and they offer a nice contrast between the background of the shield and the charges painted on it. Yellow and white are considered “metals” (gold and silver) and are used to create that contrast. The most important composition rule is that a colour must go on a metal and a metal on a colour, not metal-on-metal or colour-on-colour. For example, white beside blue will create a better contrast than red beside blue. The only exception to this rule is when a charge is shown in its natural (“proper”) colours, although common sense would advise against depicting a swan in its natural white colours on a white background.
11. What are the Pantone colours used in heraldry?
Colour is an essential aspect of heraldry, and every design has its arrangement of colours specified. There is, however, some flexibility in how the colours are shown; for example, heraldic red, known as Gules, can be shown as cherry red, scarlet, orange-red, etc. – so long as it is identifiably red. The specific choice for the illustration of the heraldic emblems on the grant document is proposed by the artist and approved by the grantee beforehand; however, a different hue can be used in subsequent illustrations. As a result, heraldic colours are not restricted to a particular hue found in the Pantone or other classification systems. Of course, once a grant of arms is made, the grantee (usually a municipality, university or association) may wish to define how an emblem is to be used, including specifying Pantone colours.
12. Can I see a sketch of my concept before the preliminary art?
We try to avoid showing sketches of the design before the preliminary art for different reasons. We want to give space to our artists to interpret the concept and we want to avoid disappointing anyone. Our heralds are experts at concept designing. You will meet with them, discuss what symbols or ideas are important to you and they will create the concept to represent you. This concept is then given to the artist who will interpret and create a visual representation. Heraldic emblems are custom designed for you by experts and it’s important to trust the process.
We wouldn’t want our rough sketch to influence your expectations or the artist’s interpretation. Keep in mind that changes can always be made to the preliminary art.
13. My organization was previously granted arms but has since changed its name or merged with another group. Can the CHA recognize this change?
Yes, if your organization was previously granted arms and has since changed its name, the CHA can provide official recognition that you bear the right to these arms. You will need to provide a copy of the act certifying that the name change took place and submit a written request to have the change recognized by the CHA.
14. How does inheritance work for cadet shields?
When you apply for a coat of arms, you are also entitled to individual versions of the arms for your children, known as cadet shields. Each cadet shield will have a small difference from the original arms, either a basic alteration of the design such as the addition of a border, or the use of an element that makes a personal reference (see Questions 1 and 2 for further details regarding inheritance).
15. Why would I get a badge and what is its use?
A badge is a heraldic emblem separate from a coat of arms. It is usually simpler, with fewer charges, and can be of different shapes. Often, the badge uses an element or two from the coat of arms in a simplified form. It can also provide an additional space to feature an element that could not be incorporated into the design of the arms.
A badge should have a simple design because it is frequently reproduced in smaller media, such as a letterhead, jewellery, or chinaware.
16. Why can I not use the symbol that I want, especially if I have seen it used in other people’s heraldic emblems?
One of the primary goals of heraldry is to achieve simplicity and originality in a design. To ensure that emblems will reflect the identity of their recipient while still abiding by the rules and practices of Canadian heraldry, we encourage each petitioner to think creatively.
When developing a design, the herald checks what elements of the design may have been used before. They must ensure that it is unique, and that it will not be confused with another emblem. Charges such as lions or maple leaves are commonly overused in heraldry and, as a result, have lost their meaningfulness.
Examples of some of the more common symbols that have become overused include:
- Fleurs-de-lis
- Maple leaves
- Beavers
- Books
- Lions
- Eagles
- Scales of justice
- Rod of Aesculapius
- National, provincial or territorial emblems
It should also be noted that letters or numbers are not used in Canadian heraldry. Additionally, replicas of another organization’s emblems should not be reproduced on an individual’s coat of arms.
17. Why can I not include all the elements that I wanted in my coat of arms?
It is always better to opt for simplicity in a heraldic design. While it may feel natural to fit as much as possible into your emblems, an overly busy shield will lose its visual impact and its power to stand out. Since artists only have a limited amount of space to work with, too many details will make the emblems hard to decipher. Additionally, all of these elements will compete for visual attention. A strong visual element can convey many meanings and does not need to relate to only one idea.
A simple design will better highlight the most important elements of your life and be more aesthetically pleasing.
18. What are honours insignia, and which ones can be displayed with the heraldic emblems on the grant document?
Insignias are medals, decorations or orders, presented to someone in recognition of a particular service or achievement. You can consult the full list of distinctions recognized as part of the Canadian Honours System on the Governor General’s website: https://www.gg.ca/en/order-precedence.
It is possible to display up to three insignias, which will be placed in order of precedence hanging from the bottom of the shield.
19. Art Production 1: Do different styles of helmets and mantling have special meanings?
In comparison to the symbolic meaning of the shield and the crest, the helm and mantling are purely decorative elements. Unless specified in the symbolism document, they have no special meaning.
The CHA avoids the use of specific helmets that may be a mark of social status in other heraldic traditions.
20. Art Production 2: What style will be used for my heraldic emblems’ artwork and calligraphy?
Painted interpretations of heraldic emblems and the style of calligraphy allow artists to demonstrate their talent and their expertise. The CHA gives them the artistic license to create unique and personalized pieces of art, all while still respecting Canadian and international heraldic standards and practices. Our artists are skilled at adapting their style and choosing decorative elements – such as the shape of the shield, the type of helmet, and the drawing of the mantling – according to a particular subject and in order to highlight the shield, which is the heart of any heraldic project.
21. Artistic Production 3: I will be provided with high resolution scan of final artwork along with my document. Will this include vector art?
Our heraldic artists produce fine art paintings, using traditional techniques that show colour nuances, shading, and separate paint strokes. In comparison, vector art produces drawings by computer using mathematical formulas rather than pixels with straighter lines. Vector art is therefore useful when the size of the image needs to be altered without affecting the quality of the image. Although the CHA does provide you with high resolution images, those are made by scanning the work of our artists; we do not have the resources to transform them into vector art. If you require such images, you will have to contact a firm that provides such services.
As a government body, we cannot provide recommendations of private companies or individual artists who offer services such as the production of flags, medals, chinaware, or jewellery. Interested armigers are advised to research online for businesses offering such services, or to contact local graphic production businesses.
22. What is the difference between styles of the Royal crown used in military badges?
During the 20th century, two different styles of heraldic Royal crowns were used: the Tudor Crown and St. Edward’s Crown, which was adopted as the Queen’s symbol shortly after her accession in 1952. Contrary to popular belief, these crowns are not the “King’s Crown” and the “Queen’s Crown” respectively. The choice of style for the heraldic Royal crown was based on the sovereign’s personal preference.
In Canada, the Canadian Royal Crown was introduced in April 2023 (https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/royal-and-viceregal-emblems/royal-crown/basic-usage-guidelines-royal-crown) and will henceforth replace the Tudor and St. Edward’s crowns in heraldic creations. Note that existing grants which use the two latter styles remain valid.
23. Where can I read more about heraldry?
As a starting point, you can follow us on Facebook. There are many useful websites, blogs and Facebook pages and groups devoted to heraldry and related subjects. As with anything on the web, some of these are more reliable than others. In addition, here are a few suggested books you may wish to consult:
Books
Beddoe, Alan, revised by Strome Galloway, Beddoe's Canadian Heraldry, Belleville, Ont., Mika Publishing Co., 1981, 224 p. Although out of date now, this is a good source of information about pre-1988 heraldry in Canada.
Brooke-Little, John, An Heraldic Alphabet, revised edition, London, Robson Books, 1996, 234 p. A useful heraldic dictionary by a veteran English herald.
D’Haucourt, Geneviève and Georges Durivault, Le blason, Paris, Presses universitaires de France, 1970, « Que sais-je » no 336, 128 p. (5th ed.) Good summary of the rudiments of heraldry.
De Boos, Emmanuel, Dictionnaire du blason, Paris, Le Léopard d’or, 2001, 505 p. Practical glossary of French heraldry that features over a thousand examples of blazoned emblems and a lexicon providing their translation into German, English, Italian, and Spanish.
Fernon, Jean-Paul, Dictionnaire d’héraldique, Illeville-sur-Montfort, Éditions Héligoland, 2011 (2nd ed.) An excellent resource for French blazon terms with artistic examples and a lexicon providing translations in English.
Friar, Stephen, A Dictionary of Heraldry, New York, Harmony Books, 1987, 384 p. An excellent resource with superlative artistic examples. (Other editions use the title A New Dictionary of Heraldry).
Galbreath, D.L. and Léon Jéquier, Manuel du blason, Lausanne, Éditions Spes, 1977, 344 p. An excellent reference work that is very comprehensive.
Greaves, Kevin, A Canadian Heraldic Primer, Ottawa, Heraldry Society of Canada, 2000, 56 p. Very accessible yet thorough. Ideas about heraldic design are included, and there is substantial Canadian content. Available from the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada.
Gwynn-Jones, Peter, The Art of Heraldry: Origins, Symbols, Designs, London, Parkgate Books, 1998, 128 p. The author was Garter King of Arms in England, and this book contains some interesting modern English grants.
Heim, Bruno Bernard, Coutumes et droit héraldique, Paris, Beauchesne, 1949, 200 p. One of the few French-language sources on this subject.
Joubert, Pierre¸ Nouveau guide de l’héraldique, Rennes, Éditions Ouest-France, 1984, 92 p. A good introductory source for beginners, nicely illustrated.
Mathieu, Rémi¸ Le système héraldique français, Paris, J.B. Janin, 1946, « La roue de fortune », 312 p. Advanced studies.
Morin, Victor, Traité d’art héraldique, Montréal, Librairie Beauchemin Limitée, 1919, 409 p. Rather dated now, but the glossary provides valuable explanations that are difficult to obtain elsewhere.
Pastoureau, Michel, Heraldry: an Introduction to a Noble Tradition, New York, Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1997, 144 p. A beautiful book by a leading French scholar, who in recent years has also written several books on the cultural history of particular colours.
Slater, Stephen, The Complete Book of Heraldry, London, Lorenz Books, 2002, 256 p. A lavishly illustrated and wide-ranging introduction to heraldry. This is the first international publication that gives substantial coverage of Canadian heraldry.
Symbols of Canada, Ottawa, Canadian Heritage, 67 p. With colour illustrations, this work presents Canadian symbols that reflect the history, society, environment, and traditions of Canada, its provinces and territories, as well as the Crown. http://publications.gg.ca.
Thiébaud, Jean-Marie, Dictionnaire des termes du blason, Besançon, Éditions Cêtre, 1994, 215 p. A fine little dictionnary that has the distinction of specifying the types of terms used.
Veyrin-Forrer, Théodore, Précis d’héraldique, Paris, Larousse, 2000, 198 p. A new edition revised and updated by Michel Popoff.
Von Volborth, Carl-Alexander, The Art of Heraldry, Poole, Dorset, Blandford Press, 1984, 224 p. This book contains some valuable design advice as well as an overview of artistic styles through the centuries.
Periodicals
Heraldry in Canada, published by the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada. Since 1966, this journal has been an important source of information on the subject of Canadian heraldry. The Society also publishes a newsletter, Gonfanon.