Japanese family crests, or kamon (家紋), are emblems symbolizing a family's heritage, honor, and beliefs, with origins in the Heian and samurai eras. There are thousands of different kamon, which often feature natural motifs like plants (most common), animals, or celestial bodies, with their meanings stemming from auspiciousness, historical events, or prosperity. For example, the Tachibana flower symbolizes eternity and prosperity, while Takanoha (hawk feathers) symbolize strength and courage, and mitsudomoe (three-comma swirl) symbolizes the unity of man, earth, and God.

Beginnings in the Heian Period (794-1185) where aristocrats began using patterns to mark their belongings and convey status.  During the Samurai Era Kamon became crucial for battlefield identification of allies and enemies and to showcase and identify clan contribution and achievements. By the Edo Period (1603-1868) kamon spread to the general population, becoming a common way to display family identity. 
Now, Kamon are still used in formal occasions like weddings and funerals and appear in modern company logos. 

Common Symbols and Meanings

• Plants, the most often used category, some examples are like the Tachibana flower (prosperity), the oak (sacredness), the quince (good luck), and the wisteria (often for families with names containing the kanji for wisteria). 

• Animals such as cranes and butterflies are common, with the crane symbolizing longevity. 

• Nature themes include things like the sun, moon, and stars are used to express respect for nature and hope for good harvests. 

• Tools and Patterns include imagery representative of occupations and castes, such as a "nail puller" (kuginukimon) representative of construction workers, while a "carriage crest" (kurumamon) symbolizes nobility and prosperity. 

Examples of Kamon

• Maruni Tachibana:
  A kamon featuring the Tachibana citrus flower and leaves, symbolizing eternity and prosperity. 

• Takanoha (hawk feathers):
  Represents strength and courage, a popular choice for samurai. 

• Mitsudomoe:
  A common swirling design symbolizing the three entities of man, earth, and God. 

• Kashiwaon:
  An oak leaf, considered sacred and a symbol of longevity, used by Shinto priests. 

• Tokugawa Hollyhock:
  A well-known crest featuring the hollyhock, a plant with strong roots, symbolizing prosperity.