genealogical RSS

Family crests and coats of arms have a fascinating history, symbolizing lineage, achievements, and family pride. Let’s explore these captivating emblems: Family Crests and Coats of Arms: A Historical Overview Heraldry and Its Origins: Heraldry is a system used to design, display, and record coats of arms and family crests. These symbols were prevalent from the 11th to the 17th centuries, primarily used to differentiate knights in tournaments and on battlefields. Imagine the brightly emblazoned shields carried by medieval knights in shining armor—those were often their coats of arms. Coats of Arms: A coat of arms is a detailed design...

coats of arms in Italy. Heraldry in Italy: A Historical Overview Sources and Challenges: The study of Italian heraldry faces unique challenges due to the scarcity of published sources. Rolls of arms (commonly used by heraldists in the Middle Ages) are rare, and few seals have survived. However, monumental heraldry on public buildings and churches provides valuable insights into changing styles from the 13th century onward. Medieval Divisions: Italy emerged from chaos after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Three distinct regions developed: Northern Lombard Kingdom: Ruled by Charlemagne’s successors, it was part of the Holy Roman Empire. States...

Spanish heraldry has a captivating history, intertwined with the nobility, lineage, and symbols that define families. Let’s explore the fascinating world of Spanish coats of arms. Spanish Heraldry: A Brief Overview Origins and Purpose: Spanish heraldry emerged around the 11th century AD, similar to other European countries. Knights and nobles needed distinct symbols to identify themselves on the battlefield, in jousts, and during tournaments. The design of arms was often personalized, with specific meanings or symbolism. Display of Arms: Originally, anyone could bear arms, but it gradually became a practice for the nobility. During the Middle Ages, only paternal arms...

French heraldry has a rich history, and although regulated personal heraldry has largely declined, civic heraldry remains a visible part of daily life. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of French heraldic symbols. French Heraldry: A Brief Overview History and Decline: French heraldry dates back to the 12th century. During this time, it played a significant role in identifying individuals, families, and institutions. However, formal heraldry has largely died out in France, especially concerning regulated personal arms. Civic heraldry, which includes coats of arms for cities, towns, and other entities, continues to be relevant. The role of heralds (known as...

Surnames, also known as family names or last names, carry a rich historical and cultural significance. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of surnames and explore their origins, development, and various types. The Historical Origins of Surnames The concept of surnames dates back many centuries and is intertwined with the evolution of languages, the expansion of civilizations, and the need for precise identification in growing communities. Here are some key points about their origins: Ancient China: Chinese surnames, known as “xing,” have a long history and were used as early as the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. These surnames are typically...