Rich in history and legendary, the Fleur de lis It is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. Representing a lily or an iris, its motif comes 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 over time been associated with royalty. Representing elegance and class, this enduring emblem has been used as a decorative element on shirts, jewelry, and even home furnishings.

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 is also featured prominently with other European monarchs and rulers, such as in the Crown Jewels of England and Scotland, where it has been a prominent part of the design of Scottish royal arms and the Royal Standard 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 snippets of history. As French settlers moved to the New World, the emblem was soon 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! After Hurricane Katrina, various New Orleans residents of different ages and origins were tattooed with the French motif as one of their cultural emblems and as a memorial to the storm.

Following Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal signed a bill 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 New Orleans recovery. This holds a special place in the heart of New Orleans.

Modern customs

Often by design, the Fleur de Lis is still used to this day and represents the continuing presence of heraldry in our everyday lives. In such a context, what does the Fleur de Lis symbolize since 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 the Fleur de Lis tattoos!

It also appears as a logo for different sports teams, such as the Fiorentina football team, the New Orleans Saints football team, the New Orleans Hornets basketball team, and last but not least the former National Leagues team of Hockey from Quebec Nordiques.

Another fact is that Fleur de Lis is also featured 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 Cadet Corps.