The French have used the Fleur-de-Lis Royalty symbol since the 12th century, adopted by Louis VII. It has symbolized many things: Purity, Light, Faith, Wisdom, Chivalry, Perfection, Life, The Natural World, Beauty and Sophistication. The Catholic Church used the Fleur-de-Lis symbol to represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in the Holy Trinity.
Originally, before the Franks lived in France, they lived in Flanders, along the Lys River. There was an extraordinary number of yellow Irises all along the Lys River, and they are still growing there today! The original Royalty Symbol was Fleur-de-Lys, meaning “Flower of the Lily.” However, the symbol looks more like an Iris. And Irises are more common in France, growing in swamps and around people’s homes. The Fleur de Lis will often be seen as a yellow symbol.
Long before the French used the Fleur-de-Lis as a Symbol of Royalty, stylized floral designs resembling the Fleur-de-Lis appeared in ancient Mesopotamia, Egyptian and Indian artifacts, symbolizing sun, fertility and life.
The Fleur-de-Lis have influenced French designs in Coats of Arms, fashion, furniture, architecture, stained glass in chapels, jewelry, and it is used internationally for the Scout emblem, with each petal standing for something in the Scout code.
Iris have vastly helped France’s economy. They cultivate new versions of the Iris continuously. They pride themselves on their iconic versions. The root of the Iris is used for fixatives and for making high-end perfumes. French are certainly known for their perfumes.
Thank you for very much for reading my article on the French Royalty emblem, the Fleur-de-Lis.
The Iris Entrances!
The Iris is entrancing me with it’s many shapes and colours…
pink, peach, white, lavender, purple, blue, orange, rust, and yellow.
It inspires hope, as it’s tightly wound buds poke
their heads up on long stems.
Before long, the bud begins to unfurl and makes the hairs stand up
on my arms due to their extremely fragile beauty.
The fuzzy catapillar-like designs show at the beginning of their petals.
Fully expanded, I enjoy seeing the full petals looking full of joy!
Now that is something to hope for!
By Jacqueline Billy
You’re welcome certainly! I love growing them in my gardens! Chanticleer is so beautiful! We visited Chanticleer for the first time this past Friday, May 15, 2026’
What an artistically designed and spontaneous looking garden!
I loved that they had beautifully sculpted wooden chairs and benches and a water fountain.
I enjoyed the shift from the historical symbolism into the direct experience of seeing the iris itself open.
The final section feels much more alive because you can feel the genuine fascination and tenderness behind it.