Where did family crests originate ?
Heraldry has many historical origins. In early medieval northern Europe, people often used pictorial housemarks to identify their property because few could read or write. These pre-heraldic designs were adopted by succeeding generations of the same family in a time when surnames were not widely used. The ancient Celtic clans used colors to indicate social and political standing. Early Viking helmets show the use of crests (decorated helmets). Inherited, identifying banners and devices were used in battle by descendants of Charlemagne in the 11th century A.D. The colorful shields, helms, and crests we are familiar with today had their origins around the mid-12th century in Europe, when heralds traveled from town to town to organize military tournaments. Heralds soon became experts at identifying competitors’ shields, crests, and banners and they began recording the designs. They developed a specialized language in which they could concisely and accurately “blazon” or describe arms. Ove
