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Some Special Interests => Heraldry Crests and Coats of Arms => Topic started by: castlebob on Thursday 20 November 25 09:21 GMT (UK)
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Can anyone tell me what the use of a cloud in heraldry signifies, please?
Cheers,
Bob
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They don't have any specific significance but may be relative to the armiger, e.g. an air pilot or a meteorologist.
Can you post the example you have ?
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I was asking on behalf of a friend who wanted to know, so I don't have his example. Someone suggested that in the 17th C it might signify God's guidance, but I can't find any sensible references.
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It seems possible but I can find no specific reference to support that interpretation.
Very few heraldic symbols have any fixed or specific meaning. More often the symbolism is personal to the holder.
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From the internet:
Clouds are used as heraldic charges and can be found in various historical and modern examples. For instance, the coat of arms of the Worshipful Company of Drapers, granted in 1439, features two clouds in the early heraldic style.
Another example is the arms of Elisabetta Tempesta, which include three clouds argent on an azure field.
Clouds are also used in conjunction with other charges such as rainbows, sunbursts, and winds.
The coat of arms of the Kingdom of France historically featured a cloud as a compartment.
Additionally, the Great Seal of the United States includes clouds in its crest, where thirteen stars break through a glory and clouds.
These examples demonstrate that clouds are a recognized and utilized element in heraldic design.
Zaph
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Excellent! Many thanks,
Cheers,
Bob