Fleur-de-lis

The fleur-de-lis, a stylized iris, first occurs in its modern use as the emblem of the House of Capet. The fleur-de-lis has been associated with France as Louis VII adopted it as a symbol in the 12th Century. The yellow fleur-de-lis reflects the Yellow Iris (I. pseudacorus), common in Western Europe. Contemporary uses can be seen in the Quebec flag and the logo of the New Orleans Saints professional football team, and on the flag of Saint Louis, Missouri.

The iris is usually perceived as a symbol of purity, innocence, beauty and glory.

A cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two lines or bars perpendicular to each other, dividing one or two of the lines in half. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally; if they run diagonally, the design is technically termed a saltire.

The cross is one of the most ancient human symbols, and is used by many religions, such as Christianity. It is frequently a representation of the division of the world into four elements (Chevalier, 1997) (or cardinal points), or alternately as the union of the concepts of divinity, the vertical line, and the world, the horizontal line (Koch, 1955).

Iris (plant). (n.d.). In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved January 05, 2009, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_(plant)

Iris. (1976). In Symbols and Beliefs by Johann, et al. Copyright 1976.  Pages 576-577.

Cross. (n.d.). In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved January 05, 2009, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross