Fleur De Lys - Heraldry, Chivalry & Renaissance Gallery of Medallions

Fleur De Lys

The Fleur de Lys is seen throughout Europe associated with royalty. Typically it is seen in the rim of a crown, or the end of a scepter, and is, of course, a symbol of the aristocracy.

As a floral symbol, it probably derives from the iris or the lily, which is a symbol of purity, virginity and chastity; in iconography, the lily becomes a favorite attribute of the Virgin Mary. The origin of fleur-de-lis adopted as heraldic emblems by the Kings of France explain that the king of France bears arms of the fleur-de-lis as a sign of the blessed Trinity (it is a three petalled flower). As a personal talisman, it continues to be associated with purity and nobility of purpose.

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