Fleur de lis is believed to have originated from the tears of Eve when she was banished from the Garden of Eden. Fleur de lis means the ‘lily of France’. Since time immemorial the flower symbolizes purity and sanctity. The plant belongs to the family of ‘Iridaceae’. Even though the name fleur de lis stands for the ‘flower of the lily’ the flower has greater similarity with the iris than a lily.

The flower is rich with symbolism. Being the national flower of France it is the emblem of the French monarchy which depicts a specially designed lily or lotus flower. The flower is also a symbol of the Municipality of Schlieren, the Zurich of Sweden. Different scouting organizations have adopted the fleur-de-lis in their badges.

In religion, fleur-de-lis signifies the Holy Trinity. It is also associated with Mother Mary. Joan of arc, while leading the French troops in the war against England, was seen to carry a banner depicting God blessing the royal emblem of France.

Since antiquity, the flower is present in the artworks. As far back as the 12th century a lady on a nobleman’s seal was seen carrying fleur-de-lis in her hands.