Medieval & Modern Heraldry

The Origins of Heraldry

The origins of heraldry can be traced back to the 12th century, during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. When fully dressed in suits of armour, all knights looked very similar to each other and often spoke different languages. Because of this, knights needed a system of identifying friends from foes on the battlefield which overcame auditory and visual barriers. As a result, knights adopted a distinct language using symbols and colors on their shields, banners, and clothing. Blazon, or the language of heraldry was born! Even knight's horses would represent their heraldry, wearing a “caparison” robe displaying their colours and symbols (see our co-founder Jaclyn above). This system allowed knights to recognize allies and enemies, even from a distance or in the confusion of battle. Heraldry is communication without speech!

As the use of heraldry expanded beyond the battlefield, they became a symbol of social status and familial identity. Heraldic designs incorporated a variety of symbols, including animals, mythical creatures, colors, and geometric shapes. Each element had its own meaning:

• Animals: Lions, eagles, and other creatures represented courage, strength, and valor.
• Colors: Each color had a symbolic meaning. Gold (or yellow) symbolized generosity, red stood for warrior-like qualities, and blue represented loyalty.
• Geometric Shapes: Patterns like chevrons, crosses, and bends had specific meanings, often representing different geographical locations or family traditions.

The Coat of Arms of Halton Region

Halton, located in southern Ontario, encompasses several municipalities, including Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills.

In 1974, the Region of Halton had a regional coat of arms issued by the "Lord Lyon, King of Arms" in Scotland. The design of the Halton Region coat of arms incorporates several key heraldic elements:

• The Shield: The shield at the center of the arms features a white background with a green wavy line, symbolizing the region's rivers and lakes. The wavy line also evokes the area's agricultural heritage, with the green representing the fertile farmland of Halton.
• The Supporters: On either side of the shield stand two figures: a deer and a horse. These creatures represent the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the region, as well as its agricultural traditions.
• The Crest: Above the shield is a crest that features a blue and gold representation of the region’s natural resources—specifically, water. This nods to Halton's proximity to Lake Ontario and its reliance on water for both historical and modern development.
• The Motto: The regional motto, “Unity, Prosperity, Progress,” is emblazoned on a banner beneath the shield, reflecting the community's ideals of cooperation and forward movement.