Fleur de lis

The “fleur-de-lis” (flower of the lily) is a stylized lily or lotus flower. Traditionally representing French royalty, this association arose from a legend that an angel gave Clovis, king of the Franks, a golden lily upon his conversion to Catholicism.

In the twelfth century, one of the French monarchs began using the fleur-de-lis on his shield. English kings later used the symbol to emphasize their claims to the throne of France. The symbol has been used widely as time passed, undergoing transformation and becoming more stylized and iconic. Here are some of the many manifestations and uses of the lily flower we have at the Cottage