Rich in history and legendary, the lily flower It is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. Representing a lily or an iris, its motif comes to us from a distant past and to this day it remains a mystery as to its origins.
So what does it symbolize? It is essentially a stylized flower that has become associated with royalty over time. Representing elegance and class, this enduring emblem has been used as a decorative element on shirts, jewelry, and even home décor items.
Where does it all start and how is the symbol used?
Monarchy and Heraldry
While the fleur-de-lis has appeared on numerous European flags and coats of arms over the centuries, it is primarily associated with the French monarchy. Used as a dynastic emblem, the Fleur de Lis dates back to the 12th century and was also adopted by noble families such as the Royal House of Bourbon.
The symbol also figures prominently with other European monarchs and rulers, such as on the crown jewels of England and Scotland, where it has been a prominent part of the design of the Scottish royal arms and royal banner since James 1 of Scotland.
Worldwide
What does the emblem symbolize for the different countries of the world? Some interesting fleur de lis facts include these bits of history. As French settlers moved into the New World, the emblem soon became associated with areas such as Quebec and Nova Scotia in Canada and south of the border in Louisiana, Louisville, Kentucky, and New Orleans in the United States.
This symbol has also been used in less traditional ways! In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a number of New Orleans residents of varying ages and backgrounds tattooed the French motif as one of their cultural emblems and as a reminder of the storm.
Following Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed a bill into law on July 9, 2008, making the fleur-de-lis the official symbol of Louisiana. It is also widely used in New Orleans as an emblem of grassroots support for the recovery of New Orleans. This one occupies a special place in the heart of New Orleans.
Modern Customs
Often by design, the fleur-de-lis is still worn to this day and represents the continued presence of heraldry in our everyday lives. In such a context, what does the Fleur de Lis symbolize as different organizations still use this emblem?
For example, the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps located in Madison, WI has the emblem as its official logo, with members and former members sporting signature Fleur de Lis tattoos!
It also appears as a logo for different sports teams, such as the Fiorentina soccer team, the New Orleans Saints soccer team, the New Orleans Hornets basketball team, and last but not least the former National Hockey Leagues team. of Quebec Nordiques.
Another Fleur de Lis fact is that it also appears on military insignia such as those of the World War I Canadian Expeditionary Force, the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and the Louisiana State University Corps of Cadets.
