Charges HeraldryEdit

Charges heraldry refers to the symbolic devices placed on a shield, known as charges, that identify and distinguish a bearer in the long, ceremonial tradition of heraldry. From medieval heraldic practice to modern civic and corporate emblems, charges serve as a compact record of lineage, property, and civic virtue. They are more than decorative motifs: in blazon and design, charges encode history, achievement, and imagined qualities that communities choose to recognize and preserve. For the lay reader, the language of heraldry can seem archaic, but the practice remains surprisingly practical: it is a visual shorthand for identity, authority, and continuity.

Heraldic charges operate within a broader system of arms that includes the field (the shield itself), ordinaries (geometric shapes formed from the field), supporters, mottos, and crests. The study of these elements sits at the intersection of art, law, and tradition, and for many institutions—be they noble houses, city governments, universities, or corporations—the grant and regulation of arms are a matter of established procedure and enduring legitimacy. See heraldry for a wider context, coat of arms for the general device that carries charges, and blazon for the precise language used to describe them.

Definition and scope

A heraldic charge is any emblem appearing on the shield that is not itself an ordinary. Charges can be living beings (animals and humans), inanimate objects, plants, celestial bodies, or mythic figures, and they can be stylized or naturalistic. The choice of charges is historically tied to the bearer’s identity, allegiances, or notable deeds, and over time it became common to combine several charges through processes such as quartering or marshalling. For background, consider that a single shield can tell a complex story through the juxtaposition and posture of charges, as well as the tinctures that color them. See charge (heraldry) for an in-depth treatment of the term, and coats of arms for related design concepts.

Types of charges

Natural charges: animals (e.g., lions, eagles, griffins), plants (laurel, olive, roses), and other living forms that symbolize virtues such as courage, fidelity, or growth. The lion, for instance, is a common charge standing for strength and sovereignty, while the eagle implies imperial reach and vigilance. See lion (heraldry) and eagle (heraldry) for canonical examples.
Human charges: figures such as knights, saints, or historical personages may appear, sometimes representing lineage or service to a crown or cause.
Inanimate charges: objects like swords, keys, anchors, ships, or towers symbolize readiness, security, maritime prowess, or fortitude.
Mythical and celestial charges: dragons, unicorns, phoenixes, stars, and crescents reflect legendary associations or aspirational ideals. In all cases, the charge must harmonize with the shield’s tinctures and other devices, following established rules that govern heraldic composition. For other elements that accompany the charges, see supporter and crest, as well as motto and compartment for related features.

Construction and blazon

Designing or describing charges relies on a formal language of blazon. The shield is described from the viewer’s left to right, with color terms (tinctures) such as gold (often rendered as or), silver (argent), black (sable), red (gules), blue (azure), green (vert), and purple (purpure), among others. The Rule of Tincture governs contrast, typically avoiding putting a color on a color or a metal on a metal, so a sable lion might appear on a field of or, for maximum legibility. When a charge is shown in its natural color, it is described as “proper.” For more about the language of heraldry, see blazon and tincture.

The act of “granting arms” is typically governed by a heraldic authority, such as the College of Arms in England and Wales, the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland, or equivalent bodies in other jurisdictions. These authorities maintain rolls and records, evaluate proposed charges for visual coherence and heraldic propriety, and issue patents or grants of arms that formally vest the right to bear the arms in an individual or institution. See armiger for a person entitled to bear arms and heraldic authority for the governance framework.

Authority and practice

In centuries past, knights, noble families, and city states used heraldry to certify lineage and allegiance on the battlefield and in ceremonial contexts. Today, many arms continue to be issued or recognized by established heraldic authorities, while civic and corporate bodies craft arms to reflect continuity with tradition and the public identity they maintain. The modern practice often blends formal heraldic rules with stylistic updates that reflect contemporary governance or community values, provided they remain within the jurisdiction’s design standards. See municipal heraldry for city-level use and corporate heraldry for private-sector applications.

Symbolism and meaning

Charges are more than decorative symbols; they encode meanings that communities wish to project outward. A lion can signal leadership and courage; a cross may denote faith or service; a key might signify guardianship or discovery. Over time, families and institutions acquire a set of associated meanings that become legible to observers familiar with heraldic conventions. This symbolic depth helps maintain a shared sense of history and belonging, particularly in places where tradition plays a role in law, culture, and public life. See symbolism in heraldry for cross-referenced discussions of common charges and their typical readings.

Modern usage and adaptation

Coats of arms continue to appear on university seals, municipal insignia, and corporate branding, sometimes preserving historical charges or reinterpreting them to fit modern contexts. While many heraldic traditions prize continuity, others invite adaptations to recognize new communities or achievements, provided changes occur through proper channels and do not undermine the integrity of the arms system. See municipal heraldry and corporate heraldry for examples and guidelines.

Controversies and debates

Tradition vs modernization: Critics argue that some historic arms reflect eras of monarchy and privilege that should be reconsidered in a modern republic or plural society. Proponents of tradition contend that heraldry is a durable language of identity and continuity whose value lies in stability and the conservation of civic memory. See heraldic controversy for broader discussions, and note how debates often unfold within the governance framework of heraldic authorities.
Colonial and post-colonial legacies: In places with a colonial past, arms and insignia may embed symbols associated with conquest or empire. Advocates of change may push to remove or reinterpret such charges, while defenders argue that heraldry also records a complete historical narrative that should not be erased but understood in context. The conservative position often emphasizes that history, including its flaws, is part of the public record and that rebranding through arms should respect lawful authenticity rather than expedient revision.
Inclusion and representation: Some observers call for heraldic systems to reflect broader modern societies by expanding the range of charges or by adding quarterings to recognize diverse communities. Critics of rapid or top-down changes argue that heraldry should evolve through careful, authorized processes, preserving the craftsmanship and legitimacy of the system rather than pursuing fashionable redesigns.
The role of arms in public life: For many communities, arms remain a symbol of civic pride and continuity with the rule of law. Opponents of radical rebranding assert that a strong, recognizable heraldic identity can strengthen social cohesion, while supporters of change press for symbols that mirror contemporary values. See public heraldry for how arms appear in government and community branding.