Fleur De Lis Symbol
The fleur de lis symbol is an ancient symbol that is commonly used in heraldry and ornamentation. It depicts a stylized lily or lotus flower, although some historians claim that it actually originates from a species of wild iris, called iris pseudacorus.
The symbol consists of an inverted teardrop-like shape surrounded by two similar outward-curling c-shaped motifs with a relatively small horizontal line at the bottom that seems to ‘tie’ them all together. The overall shape somewhat resembles a crown and is vertically symmetric.
Although the general belief is that fleur de lis is a simple representation of the lily flower, certain semiotics claim that it denotes a half thunderbolt drawn in a highly stylized manner.
The fleur de lis symbol has been associated with the French royalty for a very long time and is perceived to be a symbol of nobility of perfection.
History of the Fleur De Lis Symbol
Some lexicographers suggest that the fleur de lis symbol as we see it today first appeared in kings’ scepters more than fifteen hundred years ago.
Legend has it that when Clovis, the Merovingian king of the Franks (466 – 511) converted to Christianity, he was given a special gift from sacred entities. The gift was a golden lily presented by an angel (some say it was Mother Mary herself) to celebrate his baptism or ‘purification’ of the soul.
In other versions, it is said that the symbol was not an award received by Clovis, but instead that it was something created by him. He gained inspiration from the water lilies that supposedly guided him to cross a river safely when he was going for a battle. Since Clovis won the battle, the symbol became a mark of triumph and victory.
In 800 AD, the fleur de lis was adopted by the Roman Catholic Church to represent the Virgin Mary after Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as the emperor. He gave him a blue-colored banner bearing the fleur de lis symbol embroidered in gold.
Thereafter, European noblemen, particularly the French monarchs, started using this symbol when they formed an association with the Church.
However, it was probably King Louis VI (or King Louis VII according to some sources) who popularized the use of the fleur de lis symbol in heraldry. He displayed this symbol on his shield, after which it became customary for the fleur de lis to be sewn onto a knight’s surcoat – a loose robe worn by knights over their coat of mail.
The fleur de lis symbol has also been used in Indian, Babylonian, Roman, as well as Egyptian architecture. Moreover, it was found on the gold helmet of a Scythian king. It was also seen on the sword of Kanishka, who was a powerful emperor of the Kushan dynasty that ruled India in the second century.
Meaning of the Fleur De Lis Symbol
The term fleur de lis comes from the French words ‘fleur’ and ‘lis’ that means ‘flower’ and ‘lily’ respectively. Thus, fleur de lis literally translates to ‘flower of lily.’ It is also commonly spelled as fleur de lys and in some regions, known as flower-de-luce instead.
The symbol itself signifies life, enlightenment, and excellence – three things that are often associated with lilies in general.
Fleur de lis predominantly means perfection, purity, and courage but is also used in a variety of different contexts. At different times over the course of history, the fleur de lis has represented peace, war, strength, and nobility to name a few.
In other words, the fleur de lis symbol lends itself to diverse meanings. It is dynastic, religious, political, and artistic all at the same time.
Fleur De Lis: The Religious Meaning of the Symbol
Fleur de lis is held in high regard when it comes to religious symbols. This is probably because its three petals are believed to signify the Holy Trinity. This belief is further supported by the fact that the lily flower was an emblem of the Virgin Mary herself.
It represents purity, and the strength and power that lies in a mother’s undying love for her child.
Spiritual Meaning of Fleur De Lis
It’s quite interesting to note that like many prominent symbols, the fleur de lis also a ‘sigil’ – a symbol used in magic. It is used for summoning spirits of certain fallen entities.
There have been several accounts where excessive use of this icon in home décor was found to make the residents feel uneasy – as if they were being followed around the house by someone, or that there was a dark presence within the room.
The Fleur-de-lys is a symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary because it resembles both the Iris and the Madonna Lily. The Fleur-de-lys to the right is the more ornate form, and also symbolizes the Lady's Slipper flower.