Heraldic Glossary - Part 27 : Mottoes

The Glossary series:

parts 1-15: (to see click on expand) Part 1: The Shield (including colours and furs) Part 2: Divisions of the Shield Part 3: Ordinaries Part 4: Subordinaries Part 5: Heraldic or phantasy creatures Part 6: Animals Part 7: Humans Part 8: Plants Part 9: Fungi, mushrooms and other living nature Part 10: Non-living nature Part 11: Agriculture and fisheries Part 12: Buildings Part 13: Science, education and learning Part 14: Food and cooking Part 15: Industry, mining and tools

parts 16-31: (to see click on expand) Part 16: Music and musical instruments Part 17: Religious objects Part 18: Royalty Part 19: Sports Part 20: Clothes Part 21: Transport Part 22: Military Part 23: Archaeology Part 24: Other objects Part 25: Helmets and crests Part 26: Supporters Part 27: Mottoes Part 28: Compartments and other external ornaments Part 29: Terminology Part 30: Rules Part 31: Other aspects

Heraldic Glossary - Part 27 : Mottoes

Mottoes, probably deriving from war cries, express pious hopes or sentiments and usually appear on a scroll beneath the shield. They can use any language (most often Latin) and tinctures can be independent of the arms.

In some countries (f.e. the United Kingdom) mottoes are not part of the blazon and can be changed by the bearer. In other countries they are part of the grant and thus of the blazon and can not be changed.

For the time being see: List of mottoes used in heraldry

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