Fleur de Lis Facts

Rich in history and legendary, the Fleur de Lis is one of the most recognized symbols across the world. Representing either a lily or an iris. Its motif comes to us from a distant past and to this day still remains a mystery as to its origins.

So, what does the Fleur de Lis symbolize? Essentially it is a stylized flower that over time has been associated with royalty. Representing elegance and class, this enduring emblem has been used as a decorative element on shirts , jewelry and even objects for Home Décor.

Where does it all begin and how is the Fleur de Lis symbol being used?

Monarchy and Heraldry

While the Fleur de Lis has appeared on numerous flags and European coats of arms over the centuries, it is mostly associated with the French monarchy. Used as a dynastic emblem, the Fleur de Lis goes as far back as the 12th century and was also adopted by noble families like the royal House of Bourbon.

The Fleur de Lis also feature 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 the Scottish royal arms and Royal Standard since James 1 of Scotland.

Across the world

What does the Fleur de Lis symbolize to different country across the world?

As French settlers moved to the New World, the Fleur de Lis 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! After Hurricane Katrina several New Orleanians of different ages and backgrounds were tattooed with the Fleur de Lis as "one of its cultural emblems" and as a "memorial" of the storm.

Following Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal signed on July 09, 2008 a bill into law making the Fleur de Lis the official symbol of that state. The Fleur de Lis is also widely used in New Orleans as an emblem of grassroots support for New Orleans' recovery.

Modern Customs

Often by design, the Fleur de Lis is still used to this day and represents "the ongoing presence of heraldry in our everyday lives". In such a context what does the Fleur de Lis symbolize as different organizations are still using this emblem?

Example, the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps situated in Madison, WI have a Fleur de Lis as their official logo, with members and past members sporting signature Fleur de Lis tattoos!

The Fleur de Lis also appears as a logo for different sports teams, as with the Fiorentina soccer team, the New Orleans Saints football team, New Orleans Hornets basketball team and last but not least the former Quebec Nordiques National Hockey Leagues team.

The Fleur de Lis is also features on military badges like those of the First World War Canadian Expeditionary Force, the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and the Corps of Cadet at the Louisiana State University.

Read even more about the History of the Fleur de Lis .