Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Golden Lilies of France



A lovely post about the history of the fleur de lys
, greatly loved by the daughter of Louis XVI, as is told in Madame Royale. To quote:
The entry of the fleur de lis on the arms of France is miraculous. Legend says that the lily was the emblem of the Virgin who sent her flower by an angel to Clovis, the Frankish king, at his conversion in 493. The golden lilies on an azure ground came to symbolise the all the Christian Frankish Kings, most famously Charlemagne.

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4 comments:

Julygirl said...

Just watched a thing on the History Channel about Charles Martel, who kept France Christian by driving out the Moslems.

tubbs said...

Very interesting! I think Mary wanted to give the 'Elder Daughter' something special.

The rose was the more preeminent icon of the Blessed Virgin thru the medieval period. The lily, as her symbol, gained more popularity during the Renaissance and Counter-Reformation.

lara77 said...

The three golden lilies on the azure shield can still be seen throughout France and a magnificent one overlooks the gilded gates of the Palace of Justice in Paris.It to me will always symbolize eternal France, Eldest Daughter of the Church;the first kingdom of Europe. No republic can or will ever compare.

Jackie Hodson said...

Many thanks for the link Elena Maria. It is much appreciated :)
Jackie@weaveagarland