In Scottish heraldry, the color black does not belong to any specific clan. Unlike red, green, blue, yellow and white, black is not traditionally associated with particular clans or families. However, black can be found in many Scottish crests and coats of arms, often representing determination, constancy, and grief.
The Use of Black in Scottish Heraldry
The use of color in heraldry originated in the 12th century as a way to distinguish knights on the battlefield. The original heraldic colors were white, red, blue, green and black, known as the “colors of arms.” Over time, certain colors became associated with particular families and clans.
For instance, red (gules) is linked to clans with French Norman ancestry like Clan Campbell. Blue (azure) is associated with families descended from ancient Scots like Clan Gordon. Green (vert) belongs to clans connected to the Gaelic kingdom of Dalriada such as Clan MacDonald. However, black does not have a specific clan affiliation.
Nonetheless, black appears frequently in Scottish heraldry. The color carries several symbolic meanings. Black represents constancy and determination. It also signifies wisdom, humility and grief. Additionally, black contrasts well with more vibrant colors like red and yellow.
The Symbolism of Black in Coats of Arms
In heraldic coats of arms, the color black can symbolize different virtues and qualities:
- Constancy – Remaining steadfast and faithful
- Determination and firmness of purpose
- Sobriety, modesty and prudence
- Grief, loss and solemnity
- Humility and purity of life
Certain charges and figures are also commonly depicted black or sable in Scottish heraldry, including:
- Ravens and crows – Signifying wisdom and providence
- Horses and bulls – Symbols of valor and magnanimity
- Wolves and otters – Emblems of perseverance and patience
- Unicorns and stags – Representing purity and strength
- Martlets – Birds with no feet that symbolize vigilance and nobility
Examples of Black in Scottish Coats of Arms
Here are some examples of Scottish clans and families that feature black prominently in their heraldic arms:
- Clan Campbell – Gyronny of eight or and sable (black and gold divisions)
- Clan Colquhoun – Argent a stag’s head cabossed sable between the attires a cross crosslet fitchée gules
- Clan Kerr – Argent on a chevron sable between three unicorns’ heads erased gules three mullets of the field
- Clan Maclean – Argent a rock gules with a cross crosslet fitchée sable in base
- Clan Macneil of Barra – Gules with an eagle displayed argent armed sable surmounted of lymphad or
Even clans without black in their main arms may use it as a variation. For instance, Clan MacDonald’s crest features a raven sable. Overall, black is a versatile color found across Scottish heraldry.
The Absence of Clan Affiliation for Black
Unlike other heraldic tinctures, black does not represent any particular Scottish clan. The reasons are:
- Black was not one of the original clan tartan colors – Tartans emerged later in Scottish history, long after heraldic colors were established.
- Black dyes were difficult to produce – Without access to permanent black dyes, the color could not become strongly associated with certain clans.
- Black’s symbolism is broad – The versatility of black’s meaning prevents it from denoting specific clans or families.
- Many clans use black – The widespread use of black across Scottish heraldry prevents it being tied to a single clan.
Therefore, unlike red or green, black is not a clan-affiliated color in Scottish heraldry. It belongs to all Scots who incorporate it into their coats of arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the use of the color black in Scottish heraldry:
Why is black used so often in Scottish coats of arms?
Black’s bold appearance and symbolic associations with constancy and grief make it a popular choice for Scottish heraldic designs. The prevalence of black in nature, from ravens to bears, also contributes to its frequent use.
Which Scottish clan uses black the most in heraldry?
No single Scottish clan is particularly associated with the color black. It appears widely across heraldry of different clans from Campbell to Kerr to Maclean. However, the Campbell clan does feature one of the most iconic black designs with its gyronny of black and gold.
What other colors besides black appear in Scottish heraldry?
In addition to black, other common tinctures in Scottish heraldry include red, blue, green, gold/yellow and silver/white. Less frequently seen colors are orange, purple and pink.
Did any clans ever use black as their main tartan color?
No Scottish clan tartan has ever featured black as the primary color. Black tartan dye was not available when clan tartans emerged in the Victorian era. Black in tartans is usually a minor accent color, such as in the Black Watch tartan.
Why does black not have a strong clan affiliation like red or blue?
Black was likely too versatile in meaning and widespread in use across clans to become strongly identified with any single Scottish family. Its broader symbolism prevented it being adopted as a clan color during the emergence of tartans.
Conclusion
In summary, black is an important and frequent color in Scottish heraldry. It conveys values like constancy and humility. Black appears across the coats of arms of many Scottish clans and families. However, it does not have a specific clan affiliation like red, blue or green. The versatile symbolism and broad use of black prevents it being uniquely tied to any single Scottish clan.