France, ~1376-1638The French monarchy adopted the Fleur-de-lis for their royal coat of arms as a sym
France, ~1376-1638The French monarchy adopted the Fleur-de-lis for their royal coat of arms as a symbol of purity on the conversion of Clovis I in 481. A legend explains that an angel descended with the Fleur-de-lis ampulla (a vial of oil) to anoint the king.Until the late 14th century the French royal coat of arms was Azure semé-de-lis Or (a blue shield “sown” (semé) with a scattering of small golden fleurs-de-lis), but Charles V of France changed the design from an all-over scattering to a group of three in about 1376. With the change of the coat of arms the banner was changed, too.The royal banner was changed to a white banner with fleur-de-lis with the reign of Louis XIV. Later the civil and naval ensign were replaced by the Drapeau Blanc, a plain white flag. -- source link
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