The fleur-de-lis is a symbol used by many different countries and symbolizing a wide range of occurrences, causes, and eras. It’s included on coats of arms and/or flags of France, Scotland, Canada, and Bosnia. For religious purposes, the fleur-de-lis has been associated with the Virgin Mary and was included on the coat of arms of Pope Paul VI. The emblem of the Corvette includes the fleur-de-lis. The US Navy Blue Angels have a looping demonstration named after the flower.

By most accounts the flower represented in this symbol is a lily or iris. As my examples show, its application has been wide ranging. A flower on a battlefield would seem a bit of a paradox but that is exactly where it was last Sunday when a record audience of 110 million viewers watched the New Orleans Saints capture their first Super Bowl title. When all is said and done, the Big Easy’s tattoo parlors will no doubt ink a lot of flowers over the next several weeks, and a lot of those tattoo owners will be welcoming home a brand new baby Drew towards the end of the year.

“When The Saints Go Marching In” – Louis Armstrong

- DAVE