what does fleur de lis mean

The fleur-de-lis means "lily flower" in French, with "fleur" translating to "flower" and "lis" meaning "lily." It is a stylized flower symbol traditionally associated with French royalty, French cultural heritage, and Christianity. Historically, it has symbolized purity, light, life, and the Holy Trinity, often linked to the Virgin Mary and French monarchy. The symbol features three petals, which are said to represent different religious or chivalric virtues such as faith, wisdom, and chivalry. It has been used in heraldry, coats of arms, flags, and religious art for centuries, prominently as a mark of French kings' divine right to rule and as an emblem of purity and strength.