[MR] Heraldic Term of the Day - Wreath vs. Chaplet

[Jim Looper]

The recent letter forwarded to the Merry Rose asking for comments concerning "Charges for Laurels" (a heraldic symbol for the Laurels' exclusive use). The letter originally by the SCA College of Arms briefly touched on the issue of potential use of Laurel Wreath's for members of the Order of the Laurel versus their traditional/current use for groups. In this letter was a comment about the confusion between "Wreath" and "Chaplet". There have been others asking about the differences as well. Definitions (from Parker, SCA, and Lucien's Digest Version) with links to images are below:

Chaplet (From Parker): "...is, when not otherwise described, a garland of leaves with four flowers amongst them, at equal distances...It is more usual, however, to designate the material of which the chaplet is composed. It may be of roses (and this, perhaps, is the most frequent) or of flowers generally, or it may be of leaves, and often of laurel leaves. (see below)"
Chaplet (SCA Heraldry): Surprisingly, it's the same.
Lucien's Digest Version: Think Christmas/Yule Wreath.
Examples:  http://op.atlantia.sca.org/op_award.php?award_group_id=2    (The finest Roses in the World!)  http://university.atlantia.sca.org/ (just below the Atlantian device) 


Laurel Wreath (From Parker): Is a sub-class of Chaplet. In this case it is termed a "crown triumphal".
Laurel Wreath (SCA Heraldry): A garland of laurel leaves. A laurel wreath is nearly circular in shape, meeting (or nearly so) at the top.
Lucien's Digest Version: The wreath made of garnish given to winners of Roman games. Pictured as if looking down at it from above.
Example: http://www.sca.org/ (hint: look in the top left corner...)

Wreath (From Parker): "...is the twisted band composed of two strips of gold or silver lace and silk by which the crest is joined to the helmet; though some wreaths of the fifteenth century were of four tinctures.....".
Wreath (SCA Heraldry): Torse
Lucien's Digest Version: That bit of twisted cloth around a Helm...
Example: http://dragon_azure.tripod.com/BNC_clipart.html (Badge of the Order of the Coill's Bells) 

What is this "Parker" I speak of? Well, more terms and definitions can be found here:
http://www.heraldsnet.org/saitou/parker/index.htm

Please be certain to speak with your local herald because, as you can see, we heralds haven't always followed the old ways.

Sincerely,

Baron Lucien de La Rochelle, Pursuivant
Herald of Nottinghill Coill