Ancient Greeks were among the first civilizations to use symbols consistently in order to identify a warrior, clan or a state. In Aescylus’ tragedy “Seven Against Thebes” there is the first record of a shield blazon.
Strange to modern mind is the sentiment which Sir Walter Scott put into the mouth of Di Vernon “What! Is it possible? Not know the figures of Heraldry! Of what could your father be thinking?” In an age when education is directed to subjects of more obvious utility, the gentle science cannot expect to find a place, unless some enlightened art or history master shall introduce it to likely students as something worth of attention.
Heraldry is a bit misunderstood science. One of the main reasons is that membership of the gentry or nobility and bearing arms have often seen as being synonymous with each other.
Heraldry is a form of symbolism. Its an adopting-like ability to incorporate emblems, symbols and colours from diverse cultures gives it an adaptability that no other system of recognition can offer. The word ‘heraldry’ is based on the Germanic word ‘harja-waldaz’ which means “army commander.” It means the person who announce an advancing army, or could identify its main components
Goals
The Greek Heraldry Society is a social & cultural non profit organization established in 2009. Our main goal is to contribute to the increasing interest in the Hellenic Heraldic history, Byzantine Etiquette, manners and customs of the past and ultimately to provide its members with a forum to pursue matters of common interest.
Accomplishments
The Greek Heraldry Society has posted numerous articles and coat of arms of old Greek families never seen in colour before along with genealogy interest information over the last two years. Most have been sponsored solely by GHS while other have been held in cooperation with other societies and organizations.
Activities
Greek Heraldry Society sponsors or organizes educational programs or events each year, from lectures on very specific genealogical or heraldry interest topics related to Greece with the main purpose to project the history and culture, while it is constantly researching genealogical profiles. In the near future our aim is to sponsors annual social gatherings to bring its members together, from across the world.
