Hungarian Heraldry - Coats of Arms

Hungarian heraldry is a captivating field that combines artistic forms from German heraldry with its own distinctive character. Let’s explore the fascinating world of Hungarian coats of arms and their unique features.

Hungarian Heraldry: A Blend of Tradition and Symbolism

1. Distinctive Character:

   • Hungarian heraldry generally follows German heraldry in its artistic forms but stands out with its own flair.
   • Classified within Central and Eastern European heraldry, it reflects Hungary’s rich history and cultural identity.

2. Common Devices:

   • Turkish Influence: One prevalent symbol on Hungarian shields commemorates the many Turkish invasions of Hungary. It features the severed head of a Turk with a black mustache, wearing a turban, blood dripping from the neck.
   • Other popular devices include:
     • Griffins, bears, sun, moon, stars, horses, men on horseback, swords, and a green dragon with a red cross on its body.
   • Clan System: Hungarian heraldry employs a clan system instead of individual arms, emphasizing lineage and shared identity.

3. Historical Elements:

   • The arms of the old Kingdom of Hungary included:
     • St. Stephen’s cross
     • Lions’ heads
     • Eagles
     • A six-pointed star representing the old kingdoms and provinces (Bosnia, Croatia, Dalmatia, Herzegovina, Slavonia, and Transylvania).

4. Color and Mantling:

   • The color of the field is often blue, symbolizing the sky.
   • Around 90% of Hungarian arms have a green base, often represented as a trimount.
   • Mantling (the decorative drapery around the helmet) frequently combines more than two tinctures.

5. Crest Coronets and Crests:

   • Most Hungarian arms include a crest coronet.
   • Due to the demand for soldiers during wars against the Turks, entire garrisons were raised to nobiliary rank, sharing one coat of arms.

6. Historical Elements in the National Coat of Arms:

   • The double cross has ancient roots in Hungary, possibly given to Saint Stephen as a symbol of the apostolic Kingdom of Hungary.
   • The red and white stripes represent the Árpáds dynasty, the first Hungarian kings.
   • The crown above the coat of arms resembles the Holy Crown of Hungary.

In summary, Hungarian heraldry weaves together tradition, symbolism, and historical pride, creating a visual language that connects the past to the present. 🛡️🇭🇺¹².