The Fleur- de - Lis In Heraldry and History Legend The English translation of " fleur - de - lis " (sometimes spelled " fleur - de - lys ") is "flower of the lily." 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. Legend has it that an angel presented Clovis, the Merovingian king of the Franks, with a golden lily as a symbol of his purification upon his conversion to Christianity. Others claim that Clovis adopted the symbol when waterlilies showed him how to safely cross a river and thus succeed in battle. Heraldry In the twelfth century, either King Louis VI or King Louis VII (sources disagree) became the first French monarch to use the fleur - de - lis on his shield. English kings later used the symbol on their coats of arms to emphasize their claims to the throne of France. In the 14 th century, t...
( musings of a 'HO-HUM HOUSEWIFE' )