Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 April 1893 — Crests and Their Origin. [ARTICLE]

Crests and Their Origin.

Crests are ascribed to the Carians and they are of very ancient origin. They are mentioned by Homer and'Virgil and described as in use among the heathen gods and goddesses. Thus the crest to Minerva's helmet was an owl. Mars bore a lion or tiger and Jupiter Ammon a ram’s head. These symbols were formerly placed on the helmet and were great marks of honor, only worn by heroes of great valor or by those who were advanced to some superior military command. Richard I. had a crest on his helmet resembling a plume of feathers; Richard 11. wore a lion on a cap of dignity above the crown on his helmet; Alexander 111., of Scotland, had a plume of feathers, and James I. wore a lion. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, according to the Brook lyn Eagle, the crest was described as being a figure placed upon a wreath, ooronet or cap of maintenance above the helmet or shield, A crest was anciently worn on the heads of commanders in the field, and then only in order to distinguish them from their followers. After the institution of the order of the garter, and in imitation of Edward 111. all knights companions of the order began to wear crests. This practice soon became more general, and they were assumed by all who considered themselves entitled to bear'arms.