Symbols of nobility can bring a royal aesthetic to any setting. The animals, plants, and objects associated with nobility have been used for many years.
The term nobility is historical but still has meaning today. It can make one feel valiant, worthy, and influential.
What is Nobility?
Nobility is a social class that is most often ranked directly under royalty. While the king and queen are considered royal, lords and ladies are considered noble. Nobility varies by country and era.
The general term has been around since Ancient Rome, when “nobiles” referred to the political governing class. This included those who received status through hard work and those who were born into the right family.
Years later, in most of Europe, nobility generally referred to a class of people that owned land.
Up until the 21st century, there were certain perks related to nobility. But in the late 1900s, it became nothing but an honorary term.
Simply being wealthy does not make one noble, and in turn, being noble doesn’t mean one is wealthy. Instead, it is an aristocratic term that you can now generate yourself.
Ranks of Nobility
Nobility comes in different ranks, depending on the culture and era. There are a few primary ways to divide these ranks.
Grand Vizier
- Prime minister
- Khedive
- Bairam Khan
- Elder
Duke/Duchess
- Grand Duke
- Archduke
- Voievod şi domn
- Duces
- Prefect
Lord/Lady
- Despot
- Doge
- Ealdorman
- Tuanku
- Sheikh
- Emir
- Bey
Minor Nobility
- Baronet
- Captal
- Knight
- Patrician
- Hidalgo
- Reis
- Laird
- Esquire
- Gentleman
- Bibi
Misc Terms of Landowners
- Marquess
- Count
- Landgrave
- Deshmukh
- Župan
- Baron
Difference Between Nobility and Royalty
There is a distinct difference between nobility and royalty, though they can overlap. Royals always have royal blood or can preside over others in their country. But nobles typically only own land or assets. However, they are often included in royal activities.
Nobles are ranked directly below royals in the social class system. Sometimes, the highest nobles overlap with the lowest royals, often running in the same circles and earning the same respect.
Which Color Symbolizes Nobility?
Purple is a symbol of nobility. It has been tied to royalty and nobility since ancient times when the rare color was only worn by those with royal blood.
In Ancient Rome, there were times, when those wearing purple who weren’t at least noble were executed.Some nobles had their birth certificates signed in purple ink to make it official.
Before the era of modern dyes, it was expensive to make purple dye. So even if one wanted to use it, it was nearly impossible to afford it unless you were a noble.
Today, it is an honorary color worn by people of all classes, but dark purple still has a royal history and aesthetic.
Flowers That Symbolize Nobility
- Magnolia – symbolizes longevity, dignity, and nobility
- Globe Thistle – means “hedgehog,” but symbolizes independence and nobility
- Iris – symbolizes both royalty and nobility, named after a Greek goddess
- Carnation – the flower of the gods
What Crystal is a Symbol of Nobility?
Ruby is a symbol of nobility. It is believed they have the power to give life as they are the same color as the blood running through our veins.
It symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Other gems that symbolize nobility are sapphire and emerald.
Animal Nobility Symbols
- Eagle – these birds symbolize leadership, nobility, and courage
- Horse – an ancient symbol of power and nobility
- Goat – the British royal mascot is a goat, William Windsor
- Cow – often used as a symbol to worship in ancient times
- Lion – still often used to symbolize aristocracy in fiction
Plant That Symbolizeas Nobility
Laurel symbolizes nobility as it was used to make wreath crowns. Crowns made of laurel were once used as official royal crowns that soon transitioned to noble symbols.
In Ancient Greece, laurel crowns were awarded to Olympians and others who achieved great feats.
15 Symbols of Nobility
1. Orb
Any orb can symbolize nobility, but the royal orb is unique. It can be placed on a scepter, set on a stand, or held alone.
An orb is made of precious metals and adorned with gems. Cultures with Christian religions often place crosses atop them, while Asian cultures may paint detailed images on them.
2. Sun
The sun is a sign of nobility. It is believed to have healing powers, intense energy, and a direct connection to the heavens.
The sun god Ra in Egypt may have something to do with this as well as the connection to nobility in Japanese culture from the sun goddess Amaterasu.
3. Medal
Medals are awarded to those who earned a noble status. This is one of the few symbols still used today to honor those who achieved greatness in the military.
4. Axe Head
The axe head is a rare symbol of nobility. It typically stood for earned nobility, the respectable type given to knights.
In Native American cultures, it was also a sign of power and strength given to leaders in the tribe.
5. Crown
The crown is an obvious symbol of royalty, but it can also symbolize nobility. There were times in history were an entire class of people could wear adornments on their heads to symbolize their status.
6. Fire
Fire symbolizes the brilliance of those who earn their nobility. It stands for a passionate heart, and in Chinese mythology, it’s a direct symbol of nobility and strength.
7. White Gloves
White gloves are still predominantly worn by nobles or royals. In medieval times, they were worn to show social status. But it soon became a matter of convenience as those in the working class could not keep the gloves clean.
8. Pearl
Pearls are natural symbols of nobility. As far back as Julius Caesar’s time, pearls have been valuable. Samurai, similar to knights, even wore them as signs of nobility and bravery to help them during tough times.
9. Key
Keys represent nobility. Those with keys gain access to privileges and perks that others do not have. Almost every culture gives keys significant spiritual symbolism.
10. Scepter
Scepters are symbols of nobility. Historically, scepters were predominantly used by nobles. Unlike canes or staffs, they had little to no practical use.
11. Pineapple
Pineapple is a noble fruit that, at one point, was so expensive that only nobles could afford them. It didn’t leave South America until the 15th century when it was brought to Spain.
It was often served in North America and Europe to guests to prove the wealth of the host.
12. Robe
Robes are symbols of nobility when brightly colored. Deep blue, red, and purple robes are still common today in royal and noble family ceremonies.
13. Seals and Crests
Seals of wax and decorated crests (Coat of Arms) often showed the rank of a person or family. Each one was unique to the individual or family, letting others who received their letters or saw their banners know where they stood in society.
14. Gold
Gold is sometimes considered the most valuable mineral, depending on the era. In Ancient Egypt, it was used in Pharoah’s temple and clothing.
Throughout the years, it was only worn by nobles and royals as they were the only ones who could afford it.
15. Circle
The circle is a symbol of nobility. It stands for intelligence and power. Though it is most often associated with female nobility, it can represent power of any kind.