Insignia
The shield, described in heraldic terms, is ermine, a lion rampant vert (green). This coat is a simplified form of the arms used by Edwards himself.
The green rearing lion symbolizes courage and purity of heart. Its crimson tongue and nails exhibit willingness to pursue its goals with passion both of speech and strength. The veil of white that surrounds the lion symbolizes the Grace of God.
The badge worn upon the College blazers is a red apple surrounded by a green serpent, a reference to the Book of Genesis. It recalls the Reverend Jonathan Edwards' preoccupation with the doctrine of original sin. It is borne aloud and not upon a shield. It was devised by the first Master and Fellows, and designed by H. Dillington Palmer B.A. 1924. It forms the silver head of the ebony mace of the College, hanging in the Master's Office as the symbol of authority. When a more formal device is desired for use on a decorative shield, banner, a letterhead, or a title page, the coat of arms is preferred.
The college's mascot is the Spider, derived from Jonathan Edwards' famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", which includes the line, "The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked."
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