what is a fleur-de-lis?

Question

and what dose it represent

Answer 1

In the Middle Ages the symbols of lily and fleur-de-lis (lis is French for "lily") overlapped considerably in religious art. Michel Pastoureau, the historian, says that until about 1300 they were found in depictions of Jesus, but gradually they took on Marian symbolism and were associated with the Song of Solomon's "lily among thorns" (lilium inter spinas), understood as a reference to Mary. Other scripture and religious literature in which the lily symbolizes purity and chastity also helped establish the flower as an iconographic attribute of the Virgin.

In medieval England, from the mid-12th century, a noblewoman's seal often showed the lady with a fleur-de-lis, drawing on the Marian connotations of "female virtue and spirituality".[18] Images of Mary holding the flower first appeared in the 11th century on coins issued by cathedrals dedicated to her, and next on the seals of cathedral chapters, starting with Notre Dame de Paris in 1146. A standard portrayal was of Mary carrying the flower in her right hand, just as she is shown in that church's Virgin of Paris statue (with lily), and in the centre of the stained glass rose window (with fleur-de-lis sceptre) above its main entrance. The flowers may be "simple fleurons, sometimes garden lilies, sometimes genuine heraldic fleurs-de-lis".[19] As attributes of the Madonna, they are often seen in pictures of the Annunciation, famously in those of Botticelli and Filippo Lippi. Lippi also uses both flowers in other related contexts: for instance, in his Madonna in the Forest.

The three petals of the heraldic design reflect a widespread association with the Holy Trinity,[20] a tradition going back to 14th century France,[21] added onto the earlier belief that they also represented faith, wisdom and chivalry.

"Flower of light" symbolism has sometimes been understood from the archaic variant fleur-de-luce (see Latin lux, luc- = "light"), but the Oxford English Dictionary suggests this arose from the spelling, not from the etymology.[22]

Answer 2

Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis (or fleur-de-lys; plural: fleurs-de-lis) is a stylised design of an iris flower which is used both decoratively and symbolically. It may be purely ornamental or it may be "at one and the same time political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic and symbolic",[1] especially in heraldry. While it has appeared on countless European coats of arms and flags over the centuries, the fleur-de-lis is particularly associated with the French monarchy. It is an enduring symbol of France, but, being regarded most notably as the emblem of the monarchy, was not adopted officially by any of the French republics. In North America the fleur-de-lis is often linked with old French settlements like Louisiana or Quebec.

It appears on military insignia and the logos of many different organisations, and during the 20th century it was adopted by various Scouting organizations worldwide for their badges. Architects and designers may use it alone or as a repeated motif in a wide range of contexts, from ironwork to bookbinding. As a religious symbol it may represent the Holy Trinity, or be an iconographic attribute of the archangel Gabriel, notably in representations of the Annunciation.[2] It is also associated with the Virgin Mary.

Answer 3

If someone was to ask me about the Fleur-de-lis and do I have one I would say YES and show them my flag from France.
It's blue and white stripes and has three (3) symbols that resemble sort of a bunch of feather that are bent over at the end.
It represents the flag of France.

Answer 4

fleur-de-lis or fleur-de-lys (flûr'də-lē', flʊr'-)
n., pl. fleurs-de-lis or fleurs-de-lys (flûr'də-lēz', flʊr'-).

An iris, especially a white-flowered form of Iris germanica.
Heraldry. A device consisting of a stylized three-petaled iris flower, used as the armorial emblem of the kings of France.

Answer 5

A lily. Historically it was representative of French Royalty. It can represent quite a number of things - usually positive!

Answer 6

the boy scouts of america use a fleur-de-lis for the webelos symbol.

Answer 7

Insignia/heraldry symbol that French dauphins used...can't exactly remember what it represented.

Check it out cuz I know I'm not completely right.

Answer 8

It's a symbol, very similar to the one on the New Orleans Saints helmets.

Answer 9

a stylized lily or lotus flower. It used to represent French royalty

Answer 10

its a flower actually a type of iris. the french use it as a symbol the new orleans saints football team have it on thier helmet