How the fleur-de-lis became the symbol of France

Justine Firnhaber-Baker explains how the long-standing Capetian dynasty gave the French monarchy its iconic symbol. Subscribe here: bit.ly/subhist...
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[@morsmagne]

The fleur-de-lis symbol, named after the lily, is often linked to the iris, particularly Iris pseudacorus, due to its resemblance. This confusion arises because the stylised symbol doesn't strictly represent the botanical lily (genus Lilium) but rather echoes the shape of an iris. Historical symbols like the fleur-de-lis are more about emblematic representation than botanical accuracy, blending symbolism with stylised floral designs.

[@jfjoubertquebec]

Or a frog.

[@erasmushousepublishing6190]

Thank you so much for this, Justine. Love history and this a great historical tidbit. Intrigued by the lis representing the three virtues of faith, wisdom, and chivalry; and I thought immediately of the three virtues of the later French philosophes: egality, equality, fraternity - is there by any remote chance a connection?

[@sueyourself5413]

The three lies the French tell themselves. It's the equivalent of the American Dream.

[@jusufagung]

And ... how did the fleur-de-lis become the North Direction in a compass?

[@RM-xr8lq]

fascinating how this rando country west of asia chose some arbitrary symbol 😂