About Our Fleur de Lis Creations

HISTORY OF THE FLEUR DE LIS

 The fleur de lis, or "flower of the lily," has enjoyed a sprawling place in history, traveling, by some accounts, from 12th century France to modern-day New Orleans, in 2008 becoming an official symbol of the state of Louisiana. While the origins of the fleur de lis have been debated for centuries, the stylized lily has come to represent life, light, and perfection, often with regard to French royalty, whose shields have been emblazoned with the symbol since the 12th century, when French kings first embraced it. The fleur de lis was later used on English coats of arms as kings attempted to lay claim to the throne of France, and was carried into battle on a banner by Joan of Arc. The three petals of the fleur de lis have inspired some to connect it with the Holy Trinity, and cities such as Quebec, Canada, and St. Louis, Missouri, have the royal emblem on their flags and as a significant part of their history.

THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS AND THE FLEUR DE LIS

The fleur de lis has adorned the New Orleans Saints uniforms since their inception in 1967. The uniforms saw updates to the logo in 2000 and most recently in 2003, and the New Orleans Saints have worn it proudly, particularly in 2006, after turning in the most remarkable season in the team’s history. The Saints’ fleur de lis experienced a resurgence in popularity all over New Orleans as fans showed their support by proudly sporting the Saints logo. Notably, the New Orleans Hornets NBA team has also incorporated the fleur de lis into their uniforms, emblazoned with their own unique version of the classic symbol, combining the fleur de lis and the team’s hornet mascot and renaming it the "Fleur de Bee."

THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS AND THE FLEUR DE LIS

Long associated with the Crescent City, the fleur de lis has taken on additional significance post-Katrina as a symbol of the region’s recovery. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the fleur de lis’ popularity exploded as it became the most recognizable sign to distant, compassionate supporters and displaced residents. The fleur de lis figures prominently in the logos of many of the city’s services, like the New Orleans Police Department and EMS, and can be seen in the homes and gardens of numerous New Orleans neighborhoods struggling to rebuild their unique way of life. The symbol continues to be a sign of hope for success on a long road to recovery. Seldom in the history of the fleur de lis has it enjoyed such popularity, as tourists and residents alike can often be seen wearing fleur de lis apparel, accessories, and jewelry. In a city in the middle of its own extraordinary rebirth, the fleur de lis’ history and New Orleans’ past and present have become inextricably intertwined, and the popularity of the fleur de lis is a testament to that.