The fleur-de-lis symbolizes many things, including French royalty and culture, purity, light, virtue, and sometimes chastity. Many of these meanings come from the fleur-de-lis being associated with the Catholic church.

Literally, à fleur de peau translates to: on the surface of the skin. Indeed, the meaning of the expression is based on the rather poetic image of what is on the surface of the skin, what transpires, or even what is easily awakened, as if by epidermal reaction.

Our culture has taken the symbol on in spades, though not always for the better. Due to its connection with the French monarchy, New Orleanians came to understand the fleur-de-lis as a representation of power and it is through this interpretation that the symbol became related to slavery.

Fleur is a feminine given name originated in France, eventually used in English speaking countries and other languages. It means "flower" in French. Fleur. Painting of a bouquet of flowers.