Fleur-de-Lis Cross
The fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily with a long history. References to the symbol have been found in historical documents from Babylonia, India, Egypt, and Europe.
In Christian art the lily is a symbol of chastity, innocence, and purity. The three-petals represent the Holy Trinity with the base representing Mary. It began appearing in religious art of Annunciation scenes in the late 14th century. Both Archangel Gabriel and Mary have been depicted holding a lily and up until the 1300s, depictions of Jesus contained the Fleur-de-Lis.
The fleur-de-lis has been a symbol of the French Monarchy since the 11th century and was used by King Edward III of England on his coat of arms to emphasize his claim to the French crown.
In the 14th century, the Fleur-de-Lis was a common element of family insignias used by knights for identification after a battle and is still used today in the military branches around the globe including the US
The fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily with a long history. References to the symbol have been found in historical documents from Babylonia, India, Egypt, and Europe.
In Christian art the lily is a symbol of chastity, innocence, and purity. The three-petals represent the Holy Trinity with the base representing Mary. It began appearing in religious art of Annunciation scenes in the late 14th century. Both Archangel Gabriel and Mary have been depicted holding a lily and up until the 1300s, depictions of Jesus contained the Fleur-de-Lis.
The fleur-de-lis has been a symbol of the French Monarchy since the 11th century and was used by King Edward III of England on his coat of arms to emphasize his claim to the French crown.
In the 14th century, the Fleur-de-Lis was a common element of family insignias used by knights for identification after a battle and is still used today in the military branches around the globe including the US