Why Are There Fleurs-De-Lis Everywhere Anyway

Everywhere you look in Louisville, whether it be in our local boutiques, at our various art fairs, or throughout our historic architecture, a similar theme can be noted; the fleur-de-lis. The fleur-de-lis is the city of Louisville’s official seal and more importantly, has become our cultural icon for Louisville’s close knit community. 

Most Louisvillians know the importance of the fleur-de-lis to Louisville, but may not necessary know why. In the United States, the fleur-de-lis is most famous for being the official seal of New Orleans. Following Hurricane Katrina, the fleur-de-lis took on another job as promoting grassroots support to the recovery. So how did the fleur-de-lis become the official seal of Louisville then?  The fleur-de-lis is a french symbol with it’s earliest uses in the French Monarchy. It’s questionable whether or not the fleur-de-lis is modeled after an iris, a lily, or it could be a holy trinity. The fleur-de-lis became the official seal after the Revolutionary War to represent the french aid given to Louisville and subsequently, Louisville was named after King Louis XVI. Because of Louisville’s roots, it is in fact pronounced “Louie-ville,” but try to say it that way around town and you will get plenty of eye rolls.

If you are proud of living in Louisville, or like our beloved city, then hop on the fleur-de-lis train if your not already on it. Fleur-de-lis jewelry, home goods, and even fleur-de-lis inspired businesses are easy to find around town.  

Regalo, Scout, and Why Louisville are just a few of the locally owned boutiques that carry fleur-de-lis jewelry and accessories for the home. Some of the most popular fleur-de-lis merchandise range from serving platters, tea towels, to ice scoops. Sterling silver fleur-de-lis jewelry is also very popular. Fleur-de-lis earrings, watches, and necklaces are a great way to show your Louisville pride while looking modern and stylish. Regalo is located on Barret Avenue, Scout is part of the Nulu District, and Why Louisville is located on Bardstown Road.

Many local businesses have taken on the fleur-de-lis name and symbol to market to the local community. Restaurants such as the Fleur De Lis Cafe on Bardstown Road serve the local community with comfort food in a casual atmosphere. Fleur De Lis Events and Design is a high end special events company that specialize in making everything from the lighting to the floral arrangements on your special day beyond perfect. The fleur-de-lis name is even being used in the local real estate industry. Fleur De Lis on Main is one of the newest downtown residential and commercial developments. Complete with 82 condos, and over 20,000 square feet of retail and commercial space on the first floor, Fleur De Lis on Main is making a big mark in the every changing downtown community. 

If you didn't know the history of the fleur-de-lis in Louisville, now you do. Fleurs-de-lis are beautiful and meaningful symbols but what makes them more meaningful is what we have done with them as a community. Louisvillians love using the fleur-de-lis to show pride in our city and I encourage you to jump on board.