Saturday, September 13, 2014

A Brief History Of New Orleans Flor De Lis

By Jody Leach


There are many different symbols in the universe. Some have ties to the occult, others to groups, organizations and religions. For the most part, the original New Orleans Flor de lis or Fleur de lys is an emblem from a coat of arms. Most often used in Mardi Gras and other city celebrations, it is a symbol seen often at parades and other events in the Crescent City.

A variety of colors and versions of the symbol have been used in New Orleans over the years. One of the biggest events in which most of these amazing symbols are present are the many Mardi Gras parades. There are also other events like the French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest in which many of these symbols can be seen on high flying flags and other items.

Thought of as a universal code or symbol, it is often used without knowledge of its origin or past. In fact, many do not realize in its earliest uses it was related to royalty. Depending on the colors and designs the flag can hold different meanings, especially if those changes were made to the symbol after its arrival in the United States.

Many French Canadians immigrated from this area to the United States. Also known as French or Franks, these individuals brought forth and introduced the symbol to New Orleans. The Iris also looks like the American flor de lis because of its yellow color and shape. To distinguish between the two, the one in the Netherlands has white petals that bend down too when the flower blooms.

In the late 13th century, a poem by Guillaume de Nangis shows how the golden flowers on a ground of azure were magically substituted for crescents on a shield. While originally attributed to Clovis, it has since been used to symbolize all Frankish kings who subscribed to the Christian religion, with the most notorious being Charlemagne.

It is believed that its truest origins with monarchs of France may stem from baptisms in which lilies were used in the crowning of King Clovis I. The symbol was adopted by the French Monarchy as a royal coat of arms symbol of purity upon the king's convergence. As with most symbols, legends enhance the mystique through the reported use of holy oils and other aspects which might be considered occult as well as religious in nature.

Whether brought down by an angel, having immigrated from the time of Frankish kings or otherwise, the emblem has seen a great deal of use. None of the reported uses have included any aspect related to Voodoo or black magic. Its use in mardi gras parades and festivals in New Orleans, a city for known for Voodoo, is most likely the reason for this misconception.

During the 14th century, French writers asserted that the time of the Monarch could be traced back to the time a divine gift of royal arms was provided to a King. As with other symbols, there are a number of other legends and myths associated with the colors and symbols used in each Flor de lis. When it comes to its uses in the City of New Orleans, it is one that holds a number of different meaning whether resident or tourist.




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