The English translation of "fleur-de-lis" (sometimes spelled "fleur-de-lys") is "flower of the lily". This symbol, depicting a stylized lily or lotus flower, has many meanings. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life, and French kings long used the fleur de lis as an emblem of the sovereignty.

 

Joan of Arc carried a white banner that showed God blessing the French royal emblem, the fleur-de-lis, when she led French troops to victory over the English in support of the Dauphin, Charles VII, in his quest for the French throne.  French kings long used the fleur de lis as an emblem of the sovereignty.

 

Military units, including divisions of the United States Army, have used the symbol's resemblance to a spearhead to identify martial power and strength, and during the 20th century it was adopted by various Scouting organizations worldwide for their badges.

 

The fleur-de-lis is the emblem for the city of New Orleans and is displayed with pride.After Hurricane Katrina many New Orleanians of varying ages and backgrounds were tattooed with "one of its cultural emblems" as a "memorial" of the storm.