The English translation of "fleur-de-lis" (sometimes spelled fleur-de-lys) is "flower of the lily." The motif is commonly believed to represent a lily, signifying purity. This symbol, depicting a stylized lily or lotus flower, has many meanings. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life. Today it remains a potent symbol of French nationalism. Due to its three "petals," the fleur-de-lys has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity. The fleur-de-lys motif is, however, most commonly associated with the Royal Arms of France and European heraldly in general.

There is difference of opinion on the origin of the fleur-de-lys motif. Legend has it that an angel presented Clovis, King of the Franks, with a golden lily as a symbol of his purification upon his conversion to Christianity. Others claim that the Fankish king, Clovis, being trapped between the Gothic army and the Rhine, noticed the water lily growing out into the river, this signified that it was safe to ford the river at this point. He crossed in safety with his army, and because of this incident, he is thought to have adopted the water lily in the form of the fluer-de-lys as his emblem.

What does the fleur-de-lys mean to Saint Louisans? The symbol is to remind us of our city's French heritage, and mostly of France's King Louis IX, after whom the city of Saint Louis was named. Why don't you take a trip downtown and try to find all of the hidden symbols. There are probably several on your drive to work each morning. Tour communities like Lafayette Square, Soulard or the LaSalle neighborhoods and look for them in stained glass windows and exterior ornamentation, such as wall tie plates.

Do you want to know a little more about the fleur-de-lys symbol?