Information And History On New Orleans Flor De Lis

By Jody Leach


Spring in New Orleans holds a lot of fun for people looking for a good time in an old city. Like flowers, the New Orleans flor de lis is representative of Mardi Gras and the onset of Spring in the city. It can also be political, artistic, emblematic, religious or symbolic depending on usage.

Different colors and versions of the symbol are used annually in the many different events that take place in the Crescent City. Two of the most popular being that of Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. There are also individuals, groups and organizations which have modified the symbol to become a logo.

Often recognized a universal code or symbol, it actually did derive from a time before it was known in the United States. The earliest usage certainly appears to be related to royalty. While the original design rumored to have been used to anoint kings was from the Netherlands, it appears to have experienced some transition since that time.

Many French Canadians immigrated from this area to the United States. Also known as French or Franks, these individuals brought forth and introduced the symbol to New Orleans. The Iris also looks like the American flor de lis because of its yellow color and shape. To distinguish between the two, the one in the Netherlands has white petals that bend down too when the flower blooms.

A poem, written by Guillaume de Nangis describes the symbol as golden flowers which grow from a ground of azure. The piece also describes the placement of the symbol on a shield to recognize it as a coat of arms. During, and since that time, it has been known as a symbol of royalty, most often provided to kings who subscribed to Christian based religious sects.

It is believed that its truest origins with monarchs of France may stem from baptisms in which lilies were used in the crowning of King Clovis I. The symbol was adopted by the French Monarchy as a royal coat of arms symbol of purity upon the king's convergence. As with most symbols, legends enhance the mystique through the reported use of holy oils and other aspects which might be considered occult as well as religious in nature.

Whether an angel came down and anointed a king with oil or otherwise, the symbol has remained alive and well over time. Most often seen in New Orleans, or the Netherlands, most individuals believe it is tied to the tradition of Mardi Gras parades and represents the Crescent City at large.

During the 14th century, French writers asserted that the time of the Monarch could be traced back to the time a divine gift of royal arms was provided to a King. As with other symbols, there are a number of other legends and myths associated with the colors and symbols used in each Flor de lis. When it comes to its uses in the City of New Orleans, it is one that holds a number of different meaning whether resident or tourist.




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