Fleur de Lis as Multi-Cultural Symbol

The fleur-de-lis is a magnificent, multi-cultural symbol with a rich and intricate history that spans the millennium. Adopted as a venerable symbol by many countries, cities, organizations, and religious orders, the fleur-de-lis symbol also champions a wide variety of noble causes, including some military insignia.
Shrouded in mystery, the origin of the fleur-de-lis symbol is unknown, however, it seems to be a common denominator in most early civilizations. Literally translated from the French as "flower of the lily", it is possibly a very stylized example of a species iris pseudacorus. Additional testimony may include likeness to the lotus flower but what about similarities to the trident, a double axe, and arrowhead or a multitude of other possible matches to the outline or pattern?

The earliest known reference to the fleur-de-lis image is ancient Mesopotamia as a decoration on a type of fabricated cylinder. Knowing no geographical boundaries, similar images appear on early Egyptian bas-reliefs, Gaulish coins, Mycenaean pottery and many, many other ancient cultural references. Perhaps the image gained popularity after having been introduced by conquering armies.

Divine intervention is said to have prompted heaven to send a vial of oil to both anoint and sanctify the conversion of the Frankish King Clovis in 493 A.D. This event then resulted in a lily to appearing at the baptismal ceremony in conjunction with a special blessing of the Virgin Mary who is known as a benefactress of the lily flower. Hence, King Clovis required the image of the lily flower, or fleur-de-lis, placed on his helmet before the victory at the Battle of Vouille. Forever more, the Fleur-de-lis remained the chosen symbol of this king and court.

Later generations chose to directly connect the adoption of the fleur-de-lis as symbol for all Christian Frankish kings, most notably Charlemagne. Subsequently, the fleur-de-lis would remain eternally connected with not only the French empire but with Christianity, as well. The strength of the fleur-de-lis symbol includes reckoning as the Trinity; Father, Son, and Holy Ghost yet also hand in hand with the scruples of faith, wisdom, and chivalry.

More than French kings have sought to use the fleur-de-lis as a symbol of heraldry and class distinction. The symbol also features significantly as ornament to Scottish and English noblemen. Italy and the entire world knows the fleur-de-lis as part and party to papal crowns and the papal coat of arms. The Bosniaks, Serbs, and Spain consider the fleur-de-lis as their very own national symbol of heraldry.

It seems that the fleur-de-lis belongs to all civilizations, in some context or other. Akin to all peoples and emanating from all continents, countries, and peoples. Like all that born of our good values, ethics, and integrity, the fleur-de-lis continually reminds us of all we hold dear and all we value in this world.