Another Name For Something
Symbolically strong, historically religious, unifying in meaning, royal in presence, natural in nature I can be found on a postage stamp, Gaulish currency, a swamp, atop a spear or a fence, or perhaps sewn into a flag, the garments of a pope or perhaps king. I find my most comfortable state rooted in soil or unifying a nation. My symbolic figure is drawn from both and Iris and a Lily. My artistic representation is comprised of four individual unifying components. Three golden leafs and a band which hold us together.
In history I have held both religious and governmental symbolism. My original popularity gained traction as a religious emblem as seen sported by religious catholic figures such as St Joseph, his contemporaries, and my favorite companion: Charlemagne. Due to France’s heavy religious government affiliation I came to represent the union of a catholic republic in France.
My artistic make up became defined during medieval times to symbolise a unity of social classes. Each gold leaf is to represent its own class: Those who worked, those who fought and those who prayed. These classes represented the republic aspect of French government, the heavy weight placed on catholicism, and national duty. My fourth aspect, though rarely mentioned is the band around the three leafs holding them together. Though this band may seem meaningless, without it my leafs would separate and fall apart thus taking away my sense of unity between the social classes, destroying my national identity. I enjoy the symbolism of this band and relate it to the country of France, holding together each of the three leafs that constitutes its peoples.
Despite my royal elegance, religious and unifying characteristics, I was never an official national symbol by never being included on the French flag. I have appeared on various ‘Kingdom of France’ flags spanning from the 12th to 16th century. Since then, I have stepped aside for the wonderful ‘tri-color’, though now I stand proud and golden above beautiful castles, cathedrals and government houses all over france. My most common color, though not strictly, is a royal gold.
Though I do hold much positive and unifying connotation, at times I was forgotten as I became associated with unpopular governance. Between 1814 and 1830 I was the subject of discussion regarding national identity. In 1814 I was reinstated onto the flag. Though this should have been my happiest time, I saw the demise of my country's republic as France’s Second Empire came into power. In 1830, I, and Henri -comte de Chambord, were escorted off the flag and out of power and replaced by the ever-so-loved ‘tri-color” when he refused to take the throne when his desire of a white flag with my gilded face on the front was refused.
Though I have seen my better days as France becomes more progressive and inclusive, I am synonymous with French monarchies. This may have to do with one of my agged leafs: for those who pray. Though a once deeply religious country, France has continued to stride toward separation between church and state. It is for this reason that my best days are behind me yet I, Le Fleurs-de-lis, am a part of European history that will not be forgotten.