Il Giglio (Part 1 of 3)

The symbol of Florence, il giglio, is ever present. 

Wherever you might look in Florence, you will likely see one--on buildings, signage, vehicles and so on.  The symbol even appears on the logo of Florence's soccer team AC Fiorentina.

Il giglio translates to lily in English and fleur-de-lis in French.  The Italian word giglio is pronounced something like "jeell-ee-oh". 

The giglio symbol has signified Florence for about a 1,000 years and possibly much longer.  The origin of the symbol is much debated and remains uncertain.

The Iris Florentina:  One possible explanation for the giglio is that it was derived from a flower that grows around Florence: the Iris florentina.

The iris florentina

Santa Reparata:  Another explanation is based on a garbled legend involving St. Reparata.  In the early 5th century, invaders from the north, Goths, besieged Florence.  The town was walled but the Goths were tenacious and were near victory.  Then, something miraculous happened.  On St. Reparata's feast day, October 8, the long dead saint appeared and turned the tide of battle.  She held a banner--a white iris on a red field.  The defenders saw the saint and the symbol and fought hard to save Florence.  Inspired, they prevailed.  As a result, Florence adopted the white iris on a red field.as its coat of arms. 

The white giglio, the symbol of Florence before 1250, a white flower on a red background. (The white giglio pictured is among the many coats of arms that ring the top of the Palazzo Vecchio.)

Next Up:  Another, much older legend.