Fleur-de-Lis jewelry has surely come out in full strength lately. I was at a terrifically huge and elaborate trade show in New York City this past weekend, and closely each single jewelry booth had at least one piece that in a heap of way featured the fleur-de-lis.
I am penitent to confess this, but it wasn’t until not long ago that I did the necessary exploration to discover the actual meaning behind the fleur-de-lis, and I was astounded at my findings…
Apparently the literal meaning of the fleur-de-lis (or fleur-de-lys) is “flower of lily”, which explains why it is shape is largely remindful of either an iris or a lily. Although today, the fleur-de-lis is in general used plainly because it “looks pretty,” it likewise may be an indication of political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic or symbolic beliefs.
Here is a list of the dissimilar significations behind the fleur-de-lis:
- The fleur-de-lis once appeared on European coats of arms and flags.
- Originally it was a symbol that was equated with the French monarchy, and is now considered an “enduring symbol of France.”
- The rule of King Juan Carlos I, an old fellow member of the original French dynasty, is marked by this symbol.
- The fleur-de-lis is affiliated with old French colonies, such as Quebec and Louisiana.
- It is an emblem of the Swiss Municipality of Schlieren, Zürich.
- It represents the Holy Trinity and the Virgin Mary.
- It is considered an iconographic attribute of the archangel Gabriel, notably in representations of The Annunciation.
- Also, due to a tradition started by Flavio Gioja, the symbol is oftentimes employed on a compass rose to mark North.
In modern times, this symbol is an omnipresent force! Just the other day I was looking at the third Shrek (don’t judge me) and the reputation Prince Charming was wearing an outfit adorned with this French insignia. You may find it employed in wallpaper, in architecture, in company logos, and, of course, jewelry.
Overall, I believe the greatest share with regards to the fleur-de-lis is how such an old symbol has, over the years, increased in popularity and become stylized to fit the needs of almost each culture in a good deal of way, shape, or form.
