Posts
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.
Showing posts with label symbol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label symbol. Show all posts
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
In the Time of Gargoyles
Imagine an age of unabashed fear within a society polarized by the isolation of class and status. Add to this equation the personification of good vs. evil or heaven vs. hell mixed with the prospect of eternal damnation as symbolized by the ever-imposing gargoyles of the medieval ages.
By definition, gargoyles are merely a carved stone drain-spout with what is known as a "grotesque" surface decoration or ornament attached. As a point of interest and fact, a grotesque, also referred to as a chimeras, may stand alone as decoration but may not be described as a gargoyle without benefit of the necessary drain-spout.
The name gargoyle is from the French derivative of the word gargouille meaning "throat" or "gullet" with a Latin root gar "to swallow" and a prefix for words suggesting the gurgling sound of water.
Before the 18th century, drain-spouts were the standard method for dispersing the rainwater collected on the roofs of tall buildings. Drain-spouts extended or protruded from the roof at the parapet level, whether or not then further adorned by a grotesque. Gargoyles later fell out of favor with the advent of the more logical down spout for water drainage.
Gargoyles were meant to provide visual warnings about the evils of a carnal world while also encouraging the safety and protection of the church as manifested in the Christian religion. During this period of rampant illiteracy, gargoyles were meant as a literal etched in stone instrument to "scare the hell out of its beholders".
Keep in mind that the medieval age was a time of wide held belief in demons, monsters, and the supernatural. For instance, people did believe that those gargoyles resembling griffins, with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, came alive at night to fly around and protect the villagers.
Cathedrals such as Notre Dame in Paris, one of about 100 medieval cathedrals in France, and the Dornach Cathedral in Dornach Scotland are famous for the many ornately carved gargoyles. There are certainly a wide variety of gargoyles on ancient cathedrals all throughout Europe but whether the image is half man and half beast or hideous monster it seems gargoyles may have distinct pagan roots. It is probable the church used these familiar symbols as a tool to build a figurative bridge aiding in the conversion of people from the pagan belief to Christian.
Sources:
Wilkipedia
Northstar Gallery
By definition, gargoyles are merely a carved stone drain-spout with what is known as a "grotesque" surface decoration or ornament attached. As a point of interest and fact, a grotesque, also referred to as a chimeras, may stand alone as decoration but may not be described as a gargoyle without benefit of the necessary drain-spout.
The name gargoyle is from the French derivative of the word gargouille meaning "throat" or "gullet" with a Latin root gar "to swallow" and a prefix for words suggesting the gurgling sound of water.
Before the 18th century, drain-spouts were the standard method for dispersing the rainwater collected on the roofs of tall buildings. Drain-spouts extended or protruded from the roof at the parapet level, whether or not then further adorned by a grotesque. Gargoyles later fell out of favor with the advent of the more logical down spout for water drainage.
Gargoyles were meant to provide visual warnings about the evils of a carnal world while also encouraging the safety and protection of the church as manifested in the Christian religion. During this period of rampant illiteracy, gargoyles were meant as a literal etched in stone instrument to "scare the hell out of its beholders".
Keep in mind that the medieval age was a time of wide held belief in demons, monsters, and the supernatural. For instance, people did believe that those gargoyles resembling griffins, with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, came alive at night to fly around and protect the villagers.
Cathedrals such as Notre Dame in Paris, one of about 100 medieval cathedrals in France, and the Dornach Cathedral in Dornach Scotland are famous for the many ornately carved gargoyles. There are certainly a wide variety of gargoyles on ancient cathedrals all throughout Europe but whether the image is half man and half beast or hideous monster it seems gargoyles may have distinct pagan roots. It is probable the church used these familiar symbols as a tool to build a figurative bridge aiding in the conversion of people from the pagan belief to Christian.
Sources:
Wilkipedia
Northstar Gallery