The Fleur de lis is a well-known symbol that has been used throughout history and holds various meanings across different cultures and religions. In its pagan meaning, the Fleur de lis represents the power and cycles of nature. Paganism is a term used to describe a wide range of religious beliefs that are not part of the major world religions. It encompasses a variety of traditions that celebrate the interconnectedness of all things and revere nature as divine. In pagan symbolism, the Fleur de lis can be seen as a representation of the three realms of existence: the underworld, the earthly realm, and the heavenly realm. The three petals of the Fleur de lis are often associated with these realms, with the central petal symbolizing the earthly realm, and the two outer petals representing the heavens and the underworld.
Fleur-de-Lis Jewelry: Understanding Its Meaning & History
Fleur-de-lis (pronounced fluhr duh lees or fluhr duh lee) is a symbol depicting a stylized flower that you’ll often see in jewelry, decor, the New Orleans Saints logo, and even national emblems — most notably in France.
Besides its multiple pronunciations, fleur-de-lis can also be spelled fleur-de-lys. The term is French, so the fleur-de-lis meaning in English translates to “flower of the lily.”
However, there’s debate over the origin of the name, the flower it depicts, and even the symbol’s origins overall.
We’ll sift through all of this today as we look at the symbol’s history and interpretations of it as we uncover the meaning of fleur-de-lis jewelry.
The three petals of the Fleur de lis are often associated with these realms, with the central petal symbolizing the earthly realm, and the two outer petals representing the heavens and the underworld. The Fleur de lis is also linked to the power of the sun. In pagan beliefs, the sun is often seen as a source of energy and life, and its cycles are closely tied to the natural world.
What is the Fleur-de-Lis Symbol?
You probably know the fleur-de-lis symbol, even if you don’t know its name. The fleur-de-lis is a stylized three-petaled flower, traditionally golden in color, though it has many variations with additional elements.
When the fleur-de-lis is used in heraldry, a system of symbols used in ancestry-distinguishing armor, the three petals are above a triple stalk bound by a ring or cross-bar. This is the most common depiction, even outside heraldry.
The fleur-de-lis is the national flower and a national emblem of France. The symbol is also important in the French-colonized US state of Louisiana, particularly the city of New Orleans.
Louisiana’s official state wildflower is also the giant blue iris, which brings us to the first fleur-de-lis debate.
Fleur-de-Lis Flower: Lily or Iris?
If you compare the fleur-de-lis to a lily vs. an iris, the fleur-de-lis clearly resembles an iris more.
Both lily and iris flowers have three petals and three sepals (leaf-like structures that enclose the bud as it grows). Both flowers’ sepals resemble their petals, but the petals and sepals in lilies look like 6 symmetrical, splayed-out petals.
Meanwhile, the three petals in the iris bunch and stand together at the center, with the three sepals (or “falls”) hanging downward. At the correct angle, the iris appears to have two sepals on either side of the petals in the middle… sounds more like the fleur-de-lis, right?
So, where does this mix-up come from?
One possible answer is that “lily” and “iris” were terms used interchangeably; many flowers with “lily” in their name (like Calla lilies) aren’t actually lilies. As such, historians theorize that the fleur-de-lis was stylized after the yellow iris.
Another possibility comes from debates over the etymology of fleur-de-lis.
Some historians believe the term “fleur-de-lis” actually derives from the Lys (or Leie) river, which runs through France and Belgium.
Yellow irises commonly bloom there, and the early kings of France came from this area. Supporting this argument is that old French flags depicted a gold fleur-de-lis against a blue background, the latter possibly representing the river.
On that topic, it’s time to travel through time to discover the origin of the fleur-de-lis.
Pictured above: A bronze handle with animal head finials and a “fleur-de-lis” handle attachment discovered at the Florida State University-operated archaeological site Cetamura del Chianti | Image credit: FSU
The Fleur de lis is thought to embody the energy and vitality of the sun, symbolizing life, growth, and renewal. Furthermore, the Fleur de lis has been associated with various pagan deities and mythologies. In some pagan traditions, the symbol represents the goddess Isis, who was revered as a mother figure and a symbol of fertility, creation, and magic. The Fleur de lis can also be connected to the Celtic goddess Brigid, who was associated with fire, fertility, and healing. Overall, the Fleur de lis carries a pagan meaning that highlights the power and interconnectedness of nature. It symbolizes the cycles of life, the energy of the sun, and the divine essence found in the natural world. Through its representation of the three realms and its association with pagan deities, the Fleur de lis embodies the pagan belief in the sacredness of the earth and the importance of honoring and nurturing the natural world..
Reviews for "From Paganism to Modern Usage: The Evolution of the Fleur de Lis Symbol"
1. Jennifer - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the information provided in "Fleur de lis pagan meaning". The book claims to explore the pagan symbolism of the Fleur de lis, but it barely scratches the surface. It mostly focuses on the historical aspects of the symbol, which we can easily find on any online resource. There was no in-depth analysis of the pagan origins and its significance in different spiritual practices. Overall, it felt like an incomplete and superficial exploration of the topic.
2. David - 2 stars - I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the pagan meaning behind the Fleur de lis symbol, but this book fell short of my expectations. The content seemed scattered and lacked a clear structure. It jumped from one topic to another without proper transitions, which made it difficult to follow. Additionally, the book relied heavily on unfounded theories and personal opinions, rather than providing solid evidence and research. I would not recommend this book to those seeking an authoritative and well-researched exploration of the pagan meaning of Fleur de lis.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As someone interested in pagan symbolism, I was excited to read "Fleur de lis pagan meaning" and gain a deeper understanding of this symbol's significance. However, I found the book to be confusing and poorly organized. The author's writing style was convoluted, making it difficult to decipher their main points. Furthermore, I expected more in terms of historical context and exploration of different pagan traditions that incorporate the Fleur de lis. Unfortunately, this book fell short and didn't provide the comprehensive analysis I was hoping for.
4. Michael - 1 star - I found "Fleur de lis pagan meaning" to be nothing more than a collection of random information loosely connected to pagan symbolism. The author made bold claims about the origins and meaning of the Fleur de lis, but there was little concrete evidence to back them up. It felt more like a personal reflection on the symbol rather than a well-researched and objective exploration of its pagan significance. Overall, I found the book to be uninformative and misleading, and I would not recommend it to anyone seeking accurate and reliable information about the pagan meaning of the Fleur de lis.