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Small Fleiur-de-lis Button

$2.00

Product Information

 Measures 5/8" in Diameter

 

History of the Fleur-de-lis

 

The fleur-de-lis (lterally meaning lily flower) is common to all eras and all civilizations including Egyptian, Japanese, Mycean, and Mesopotamian.  It has consistently been used as a royal emblem, though different cultures have interpreted its meaning in varying ways.

Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and is said to signify perfection, light, and life. In the 12th century the fleur-de-lis was the heraldic emblem of King Clovis I of France in 493 A.D. and was subsequently used by many other kings of France.  Legend has it that an angel presented Clovis with a golden lily as a symbol of his purification upon his conversion to Christianity. Another claim is that Clovis adopted the fleur-de-lis when water lilies showed him how to safely cross a river and thus succeed in battle.
 
In the reign of King Louis IX (St. Louis) the three petals of the flower were said to represent faith, wisdom and chivalry.  English kings later used the symbol on their coats of arms to emphasize their claims to the throne of France. In the 14th century, the fleur-de-lis was often incorporated into the family insignia that was sewn on the knight's surcoat, which was worn over their coat of mail, thus the term, "coat of arms."
 
Joan of Arc carried a white banner that showed God blessing the French royal emblem, the fleur-de-lis, when she led French troops to victory over the English in support of the Dauphin, Charles VII, in his quest for the French throne.
 
The Roman Catholic Church ascribed the lily as the special emblem of the Virgin Mary. 
 
Due to its three "petals," the fleur-de-lis has also been used to represent the Holy Trinity.
 
Military units, including divisions of the United States Army, have used the symbol's resemblance to a spearhead to identify martial power and strength.
 
The use of this shape in Scouting literature connects the compass rose with the purpose of Scouting's principles—namely that Scouting give one's life direction.
 
Researched by Valerie Sheldon

Product Code: CB-50

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