Arms of Multia, Finland, a rare
simple emmet (or ant) in heraldry

The emmet, also called the pismire, is an heraldic charge in European heraldry, particularly in English and German heraldry, representing historic names for the ant.

Significance

The emmet might be understood as a symbol of hard work and of wisdom, although symbolism in heraldry always has to be approached with skepticism, as the arms might be canting, or the symbolism might not apply in a particular case. In his A Display of Heraldrie (1610), John Guillim of the English College of Arms says:

"By the Emmet or Pismire may be signified a Man of great Labour, Wisdom, and Providence in all his Affairs, and of a pregnant and ready Memory."[1]

Attitude

The emmet is often shown as tergiant, or with his back to the viewer, as seen from above.

Examples

  • Massy: argent a bend azure between three emmets sable[2]
  • Emmitt: sable two cross bones saltierwise between four emmets or on a chief engrailed erminois two bulls' heads azure[3]

Notes

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  1. ↑ John Guillim, A Display of Heraldry, 1724 edition, p. 202
  2. ↑ Thomas Robson, The British herald; or, Cabinet of armorial bearings of the nobility & gentry of Great Britain & Ireland, from the earliest to the present time (1830), p. 14
  3. ↑ William John Monson, Lincolnshire Church Notes 1828–1840 (Lincoln Record Society, 1936), p. 408
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