Perhaps no other flower, with the exception of the rose, has gained such worldwide and historical popularity as the fleur-de-lis. Surprisingly fragile and truly royal in beauty, the flower became the subject of inspiration. It was actively used not only as a symbol, but also as an element of floral ornament in the production of fabrics or for painting walls in the homes of we althy citizens of many countries. She adorned the coats of arms of eminent royal families, royal seals, and even today she is often found in various images.
The sign of the lily has become truly iconic for representatives of various clans and was even considered a magical and sacred symbol. What is the reason for such popularity?
Let's start with the fact that there is an opinion that the fleur-de-lis is an image of a completely different, more modest flower, namely, a double iris (in any case, a number of sources say so). Of course, the features of this plant are easily traced in an ornate stylized image. However, if we assume that this is an iris, the very meaning that the heraldic sign of the French kings is endowed with loses its meaning. Therefore, we take into account the opinion of experts in the world of flora, but,however, we will assume that this symbol is a lily, and nothing else.
The story of the amazingly popular image dates back to the time when France was not yet a monarchy. More precisely, this is the end of the 5th century AD.
It was then, having converted to Christianity, the founder of the kingdom of France (Clovis) replaced three very unattractive toads on his coat of arms with flowers that are surprisingly beautiful in their charm. Why lilies and not roses? The answer to this question can be found in the history of the meaning of symbols.
For unknown reasons, the royal lily is the flower that is considered the embodiment of a number of directly opposite qualities. This is both purity and vice (remember the magnificent Milady, and in general the branding of criminals with the sign of a lily), fragility and luxury. The fleur-de-lis did not escape some deliberate distortions of its meaning. During the torture of "blasphemers", the inquisitors often held white flowers in their hands, as the personification of the future purity of the soul. In ancient Rome, the royal lily was considered the embodiment of nobility and prosperity. Often, on the images dedicated to the Last Judgment, near the face of the Son of God, along with the sword, you can see this particular flower.
Surprisingly, this symbol is not a find of French heraldry. Her image is met both in the Ancient East and in Palestine. In Italy, it was used on royal seals. The golden fleur-de-lis has adorned the royal flag of France for decades andcoats of arms of several Polish princes. It is still used today in popular ornaments that we see on the walls of home interiors or in the exhibition halls of museums dedicated to the history of medieval Europe and the East. The surprisingly harmonious shape and attractive symmetry of the "fleur-de-lis" (namely, this is how this magnificent symbol is called) ensured its incredible popularity not only among the noble French, but in modern society.
