The Fleur-de-Lis

I just love fleurs-de-lis, 
so I thought I would do a little research 

 and share it with you.

The fleur-de-lis (or fleur-de-lys; plural: fleurs-de-lis;  French pronunciation: 
 [flœʁ də lis]^[1]) is a stylized lily (in French, fleur means flower, and lis means lily)
or iris that is used as a decorative design or symbol. It may be "at one and the same
time, political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic, and symbolic",
especially in heraldry.    ~ from Wikipedia

fleur-de-lis ~ French for Flower of the Lily 

The fleur-de-lis, depicting the stylized lily, has many meanings. 

Traditionally, it has been used to represent French Royalty,

and it is said to signify perfection, light, and life.

The fleur-de-lis is common to all eras and civilizations,

and there seems to be some debate as to its origin.

Although its most probable origin is from the lilies on the banks of the Lys River in
France, where well-known lilies, having only three leaves, called fleur de l'iris by the
French, called the flower of the rainbow or iridis, which the French call fleur-de-lis.

The fleur-de-lis has appeared on Mesopotamian cylinders, Egyptian base-reliefs,

Mycenean potteries, Sassanid textiles, Gaulish coins, Mameluck coins, 

Indonesian clothes, Japanese emblems and Dogon totems.

The earliest known examples of the fleur-de-lis can be found on Assyrian base-reliefs
from the third millenium BC. It is found on tiaras, jewelry, scepters, and on the

coin of King Louis VI of France (1110-30).

Coin from the Kingdom of France, Charles VIII (1483-1498) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the 12 century, the French King Louis VI or VII 

became the first French king to use the fleur-de-lis on his shield.

At the end of the 12 century, the fleur-de-lis took on a Cristic role 

representing the Holy trinity.

Joan of Arc carried a white banner that showed God blessing the French royal 
emblem, the fleur-de-lis, when she led French troops to victory over the English in 
support of the Dauphin, Charles VII, in his quest for the French throne. 

Here are a few vintage treasures found recently that

also have fleurs-de-lis.

Dominoes {but don't they look like little chocolate bars?}

Poker Chips

and some hand punched fleurs-de-lis from a vintage French book

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of history.

Have a great weekend!

If you have items with fleurs-de-lis, I would love to see them.

Thank you for taking the time to comment, I love hearing from you.

~ Julie

Posting today with Voila French Inspiration Thursday

 Vintage Inspiration Friday, and Time Travel Thursday,  few of my favorite blog parties.

vintage items and fleur-de-lis punches are available in my etsy shop