In what year is the fleur-de-lys said to have been adopted by the French king?
- 1066
- 1534
- 1608
- 496
Answer: 496
It is said the French king adopted the fleur-de-lys (lily flower) in the year 496. It then stayed the symbol of French royalty for more than 1,000 years, including in the colony of New France.
Learn more: The maple leaf and the fleur-de-lys
- The maple leaf is Canada’s best-known symbol.
- French-Canadians adopted the maple leaf as a symbol in the 1700s.
- Maple leaves have appeared on Canadian uniforms and insignia since the 1850s.
- Maple leaves are carved into the headstones of fallen soldiers buried in Canada and overseas.
- “Fleur-de-lys” means “lily flower.” It is said the French king adopted it in the year 496.
- The fleur-de-lys was the symbol of French royalty for more than 1,000 years, including in New France.
- It was revived at Confederation and included in the Canadian Red Ensign.
- In 1948 Quebec adopted its own flag, based on the Cross and the fleur-de-lys.