Flag symbols: Quebec, the lily flower (abstract)

The flag of the province of Quebec, also called Fleurdelis, is composed of a white cross and four white lily flowers on a dark blue background. The flag is derived from a banner, called Carillon, that would have been carried by the Canadian militia at the battle of Fort Carillon defended by the men of Montcalm against the assault of the British troops in 1758. The present flag was adopted by the government of Quebec and flew, for the first time, over the provincial parliament of Quebec city in 1948.

It is usual to see the cross as the symbol of Christian faith and in the lily flower one of the symbols of monarchy. Regarding the colours, it is common to assert that they are related to the Virgin Mary. Although these assertions conceal some truth, it is not without interest to understand why the lily flower became a royal emblem and to know the meaning of the colours of the flag.