Status Symbols: Coat of Arms concept board

Coat of arms and family crests of Europe follow eight rules that cause each crest to be both similar and different.  The shield is to represent the family or country’s strength, while the helmet that rests atop of it indicates the family’s rank as well as wreath that is attached to it that uses the two main colors of the emblem(not prominent in GB Coat).  The top mantle is a reminder of the Crusades in which the Roman Catholic Church ordered the attack on the holy land.  The crest is a decoration that was originally placed atop the the helmet in jousting tournaments.  In Great Britain’s coat of arms the shield is being held by the lion and unicorn.  These are the supporters.  The crown above the helmet is what signifies the family’s power and rank (ie. crown for royal crown).  The motto, many times in latin are either on the mantle at the bottom, wrapped around the shield.  The sections of the shield represent rank as well.  This is found in all European and many Middle Eastern coats.  Asian coat of arms resemble family crests from clans.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/coats_of_arms_heraldry.htm
http://www.internationalheraldry.com