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Fleur de Lis

Posted by Christine L on 9th Jul 2015

    The English translation of “fleur-de-lis" is "flower of the lily." This symbol, depicting a stylized lily or lotus flower. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life.

Interesting Facts about Fleur de Lis

* English kings starting using the fleur de lis on their coats of arms to emphasize their claims to the throne of France.

* Joan of Arc carried a white banner that showed God blessing the French royal emblem, the fleur-de-lis, when she led French troops to victory over the English in support of the Dauphin, Charles VII, in his quest for the French throne.

* Due to its three "petals," the fleur-de-lis has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity.

* Military units, including divisions of the United States Army, have used the symbol's resemblance to a spearhead to identify martial power and strength.

* The Roman Catholic Church ascribed the lily as the special emblem of the Virgin Mary.

Sources:

"The Fleur-de-lis Symbol in Crests, Arms, and History." Fleur-de-lis Designs - The Fleur-de-lis Symbol in Crests, Arms, and History. Fleur-De-Lis Designs, n.d. Web. 09 July 2015.