Swedish heraldry
Two heralds at the funeral of King Johan III, 1594
|
|
| Heraldic tradition | German-Nordic |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Sweden |
| Governing body | Riksarkivet |
| Chief officer | Henrik Klackenberg, Statsheraldiker |
| Former chiefs |
Clara Nevéus (1983–1999) |
| Former offices | |
| Riksheraldiker (1734–1953) |
Harald Gustaf Fleetwood (1734–1765) |
Clara Nevéus (1983–1999)
Jan von Konow (1975–1981)
Harald Gustaf Fleetwood
(1931–1953)
Adam Ludvig Carl Lewenhaupt (1903–1931)
Carl Arvid Klingspor (1880–1903)
August Wilhelm Stiernstedt
(1855–1880)
Niklas Joakim af Wetterstedt
(1829–1855)
Jonas Carl Linnerhielm (1809–1829)
Anders Schönberg (1773–1809)
Daniel Tilas (1768–1772)
Swedish heraldry encompasses heraldic achievements in modern and historic Sweden. Swedish heraldic style is consistent with the German-Nordic heraldic tradition, noted for its multiple helmets and crests which are treated as inseparable from the shield, its repetition of colours and charges between the shield and the crest, and its scant use of heraldic furs. Because the medieval history of the Nordic countries was so closely related, their heraldic individuality developed rather late. Swedish and Finnish heraldry have a shared history prior to the Diet of Porvoo in 1809; these, together with Danish heraldry, were heavily influenced by German heraldry. Unlike the highly stylized and macaronic language of English blazon, Swedish heraldry is described in plain language, using (in most cases) only Swedish terminology.
The earliest known achievements of arms in Sweden are those of two brothers, Sigtrygg and Lars Bengtsson, from 1219. The earliest example of Swedish civic heraldry is the city arms of Kalmar, which originated as a city seal in 1247. The seal (Swedish sigill), used extensively in the Middle Ages, was instrumental in spreading heraldry to churches, local governments, and other institutions, and was the forerunner of the coat of arms in medieval Sweden. Armorial seals of noblewomen appeared in the 12th century, burghers and artisans began adopting arms in the 13th century, and even some peasants took arms in the 14th century.
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Wikipedia