| The Fair Family Crest |
 |
A
Family Crest, also known as a "Coat of Arms" is a symbol granted by
only by kings to knights and noble families in medieval Europe.
Knights
and noblemen decorated their shields and flags with their coat of arms
to identify themselves or their armies on the battlefield.
Symbols
were often added to a coat of arms for acts of valor and honor.
Likewise symbols could be removed from the coat of arms if the family
did not display the virtues symbolized.
The
use of coats of arms became pretty common by the 12th century, and were
used by many knights and minor feudal lords who went into battle.
Within another century, families were using coats of arms (usually ones
granted to an ancestor a century before) as the family logo, and sewed
these arms onto flags that flew above their castles and manors.
Only
the highest classes of people in medieval Europe used coats of arms, as
they were the only one with ancestors distinguished enough to have been
granted them by the kings of the time.
Once
a family started using a coat of arms, it was passed down through the
generations, from father to son, even down into the present day.
The oldest son would inherit his family’s coat of arms and pass it down through his sons.
When
a noble woman married, the coat of arms of her family was often added
to her husband’s coat of arms, and passed down through their successive
generations.
The
first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Edeua
Faira, which was dated 1086 A.D., in the Domesday Book of Middlesex,
during the reign of King William 1, known as "William The Conqueror",
1066 - 1087 A.D.
|
|
The Fair Family Crest's symbols and colors |
 | The Red Shield - 'The Martyr's color', signifies Strength, Military Fortitude, and Martyrdom. |  | Gold Mantling - Represents Generosity and elevation of the mind. |  | The Anchor - The Christian symbol of Hope, Salvation, and Steadfastness. |  | The Five Pointed Star - Denotes Virtue, Learning, and Piety (religious devotion). |  | The Dove - A symbol of the soul and Holy Spirit. It means peace and purity. |  | The Olive Branch - Signifies a harbinger of good tidings. |  | The Helmet - Reserved only for nobility, signifies noble family. | | |
| |
|
