The fleur-de-lys is a much used heraldic symbol. It depicts a stylized lily or lotus, signifying perfection, light and life and traditionally represents the kings of France. In French legends, Clovis, the Merovingian king of the Franks, converted to Christianity in AD 496, whereupon an angel gave him a golden lily as a symbol of his purification. Alternatively, it is sometimes said that Clovis adopted it as his emblem after waterlilies in the River Rhine alerted him to a safe spot at which to ford the river and cross to achieve victory in battle.
In the twelfth century the fleur-de-lys became the symbol of French royalty. Louis VII used it on his shield and "lys" is also thought to be a contraction of "Louis." Between 1340 and 1801, English kings used the emblem on their coats of arms to signify their claims to the French throne. Since it consists of a triple lily, the fleur-de-lys can also represent the Trinity, the Virgin Mary, the trinities of God, the creation and royalty and also mankind's body, mind and soul. Its resemblance to a spearhead also links it with masculine martial power. The fleur-de-lys is the symbol of Florence, Italy, known as the "City of Lilies."
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