Dove - Eagle - Falcon - Swan
The dove is a well-recognized religious symbol that represents peace, purity and love. As such, it is often released by a newly wed couple and weddings. This symbol, however, is often that of a bird with an olive branch in its beak. In heraldry, the dove is frequently seen with its wings closed while holding the olive branch - when it has its wings spread, it is called "dove rising." The side-view of any bird in heraldry with its wings spread is called, "(name of bird) rising." Its symbolism of love, purity and peace came from the heraldic dove, which means the same thing (Fox-Davis 244).
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The eagle is the lion of the heraldic birds, and was called by medieval writers to be the "queen of birds (Slater 90)." The eagle is the biggest bird of prey, and has very sharp eyesight. The eagle hunts by flying over water and searching for fish near the surface, then diving down to grab a hold of the fish with their sharp, long talons. The eagle is an inspiring creature, and represents many things. Since the Roman times, the eagle is associated with empires - both Byzantine and Roman emperors considered it personal to them. Today, the eagle is used as symbols for various nations, as it is the national bird for the United States and is pictured on the flag of Mexico (90). In heraldry, the bearer of the eagle is seen as noble with power and strength, and is a protector and a person of action (Heraldic Birds).
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Falcons were an important part of the aristocracy of Medieval life, as they provided entertainment. Why hunt with bows and arrows when you can amaze your friends with a trained bird of prey? They are classified as a "hobby" in heraldry, as these magnificent birds required a lot of training. In heraldry, there is no distinction between falcons and hawks - thus, they are the same. When drawn, it is common to see at least one bell on the bird's leg, thus making it a
belled falcon. When there are bells on both legs, it is known as being "
jessed and belled," with "jess" being the falconry term for tying a leather thong to a bird's leg to keep it perched on the falconer's arm. A falcon with a blindfold is called "
hooded," and when it is shown preying on something it is called "
trussing." All of these terms are the jargon of falconry that have been applied to heraldry. The falcon represents courage in a small body, and loyalty (Fox-Davies 241-242).
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The swan is a very popular, romantic bird that has several memorable stories attached to it. The most popular story is the ballet,
Swan Lake where a prince falls in love with a princess who is under a curse that forces her to take on the shape of a swan (Swan Lake). The most recent variations of this ballet take inspiration from the myth that, just before it dies, a swan sings sweetly (The Medieval Bestiary). When displayed on a shield, the swan is seen "closed" with its wings folded (Fox-Davies 245). The most practical explanation for this is that if the wings were wide open, the swan would be unable to fit upon the shield. In heraldry, the swan represents poetry and harmony, and was often the charge of a knight who was musical (Basic Heraldry).
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