Different versions, colors and symbols have different meanings when it comes to the city of New Orleans. Most often these flags are used in festivals and parades. As it is believed the origin is from the time of King Clovis I in the Netherlands, it is most likely the King Cake of Mardi Gras tradition also stemmed from the same legend as the origin of the symbol.
Thought of as a universal code or symbol, it is often used without knowledge of its origin or past. In fact, many do not realize in its earliest uses it was related to royalty. Depending on the colors and designs the flag can hold different meanings, especially if those changes were made to the symbol after its arrival in the United States.
Many French Canadians immigrated from this area to the United States. Also known as French or Franks, these individuals brought forth and introduced the symbol to New Orleans. The Iris also looks like the American flor de lis because of its yellow color and shape. To distinguish between the two, the one in the Netherlands has white petals that bend down too when the flower blooms.
In the late 13th century, a poem by Guillaume de Nangis shows how the golden flowers on a ground of azure were magically substituted for crescents on a shield. While originally attributed to Clovis, it has since been used to symbolize all Frankish kings who subscribed to the Christian religion, with the most notorious being Charlemagne.
It is believed that its truest origins with monarchs of France may stem from baptisms in which lilies were used in the crowning of King Clovis I. The symbol was adopted by the French Monarchy as a royal coat of arms symbol of purity upon the king's convergence. As with most symbols, legends enhance the mystique through the reported use of holy oils and other aspects which might be considered occult as well as religious in nature.
Whether brought down by an angel, having immigrated from the time of Frankish kings or otherwise, the emblem has seen a great deal of use. None of the reported uses have included any aspect related to Voodoo or black magic. Its use in mardi gras parades and festivals in New Orleans, a city for known for Voodoo, is most likely the reason for this misconception.
Writers in the late 14th century once affirmed the symbol as being related to the French Monarchy. One legend tells of an angel bringing down the symbol which was a divine gift to a beloved King. As to whether this is the case or not, only those who received the coat of arms at the time know the truth. Unfortunately, due to its ancient origins, this is not possible. As such, interested individuals must define the meaning on a personal level based on history and legend.
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