Heraldry is the art of designing and displaying coats of arms, and it has a long and storied history dating back to medieval times. But with the rise of democracy and the decline of feudalism, you might be wondering: What is the point of heraldry today?
Heraldry has a number of purposes and functions in modern society, including:
- Symbolizing identity: One of the primary purposes of heraldry is to symbolize a person’s or group’s identity. Coats of arms are often used to represent a family’s history, heritage, and values, and they can be a powerful way to symbolize a person’s or group’s sense of self and belonging.
- Representing rank and status: In the past, heraldry was often used to represent a person’s or group’s rank and status in society. Coats of arms were often used to symbolize a person’s social standing, and they could be used to indicate a person’s position in the feudal hierarchy. While heraldry is no longer used in this way, it is still used to represent rank and status in some contexts, such as in the military and in academia.
- Adding flavor and depth to fictional worlds: Heraldry is often used in fiction and media to add depth and flavor to fictional worlds. For example, many roleplaying games and fantasy novels include systems for designing and displaying coats of arms, which can be used to represent characters’ families or groups and add a sense of realism and immersion to the game or story.
- Creating a sense of pride and belonging: Finally, heraldry can be used to create a sense of pride and belonging. Whether it is a personal coat of arms or a traditional family crest, a heraldic symbol can be a powerful way to symbolize a person’s or group’s identity and values, and it can create a sense of pride and belonging within a community or group.
Overall, heraldry serves a number of important purposes in modern society. While it may not be as prominent as it once was, heraldry is still a rich and meaningful way to symbolize identity, represent rank and status, add depth and flavor to fictional worlds, and create a sense of pride and belonging.
