Family crests have been used in various cultures around the world. The most common image that comes to mind is the shields that knights carried into battle and the blazons they wore on armor to identify themselves to each other. Family crests are often used by royalty to show ownership of property. Ancient Greek and Roman myths mention heraldic devices on shields as well as the use of crests in Chinese and Japanese history.
In the United States, most of the people came from England, Ireland and Scotland, so a majority of the family crests are descended from those countries. Most of the noble qualities were ascribed to the lion this is the reason so many families adopted the lion as part of their family crest. The ruling families of France, Great Britain, Spain and others chose the lion for this reason; while other families adapted something that pertained to the occupation the family for example a coal miner or merchant.
The reasons people research their family crest is to find out about who they are and where they came from. For many this becomes a worthwhile hobby and an important part of their life. There are many websites that offer help in understanding the symbols and colors used in family crests; this leads into a basic understanding of heraldry which is the study of symbols and colors used in the family coat of arms and family crests. Each element of the family crest means something about the heritage of that specific family.
Traditionally, a family crest or coat of arms was granted to a single individual, with the right to use it passing down the direct line of his male descendants. Families today are more interested in researching their family history, often this can lead to interesting stories and historical information. The search for family crests leads to a pride in the heritage as well as giving future generations something to remember and value. We should learn from our past and researching family histories and the family crest search is part of that learning who we are and where we came from, as an individual and as part of a family.
