The Fleur de Lis is a glorious, multi-cultural symbol with a deep and complex history that crosses the millennium. Embraced as a honorable symbol by numerous nations, cities, organizations, and religious orders, the Fleur de Lis symbol also champions a wide diversity of noble causes, including some military insignia.
Covered in mystery, the ancestry of the Fleur de Lis symbol is unknown, nevertheless, it appears to be a common denominator in most early civilizations.
Literally translated from the French as "flower of the lily", it is perhaps a very conventionalised example of a species iris pseudacorus. Further testimony may include likeness to the lotus flower but what about similarities to the trident, a double axe, and arrowhead or a multitude of other possible matches to the outline or design?
The earliest known reference to the Fleur de Lis image is ancient Mesopotamia as a decoration on a type of fabricated cylinder. Knowing no geographical limits, similar images appear on early Egyptian bas-reliefs, Gaulish coins, Mycenaean pottery and a lot of other old cultural references. Possibly the image gained fame after having been introduced by conquering armies.
More than French kings have attempted to use the Fleur de Lis as a symbol of heraldry and class distinction. The symbol also features significantly as ornament to Scottish and English noblemen. Italy and the entire world acknowledges the Fleur de Lis as part and party to papal crowns and the papal coat of arms. The Bosniaks, Serbs, and Spain conceive the Fleur de Lis as their very own national symbol of heraldry.
It seems that the Fleur de Lis belongs to all civilizations, in some context or other. Akin to all peoples and emanating from all continents, countries, and peoples. Like all that born of our good values, ethics, and integrity, the Fleur de Lis continually reminds us of all we cherish and all we value in this world.
Fleur de Lis brooch
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