The Fleur de Lis symbol, of which there are many variations, this one from Owen Jones Grammar of Ornament, originates in the court of Louis the VII, 1147 A.D. He chose the Iris flower as his emblem during the Crusades, representing faith, wisdom and valor. It evolved as a stylized symbol from fleur de Louis or flower of Louis, to fleur de luce meaning flower of light. It is now more commonly known fleur de lis meaning flower of the lily, a Christian reference to the holy trinity or three petals of the Iris and special emblem of the Virgin Mary.
