Motifs are a powerful touchstone, bridging the gap between history and design, past and present. While some have been relegated to the ages, many are seeing new iterations, blending into the design schemes of today. Let’s take a peek into the fascinating stories of their symbolism.

Quatrefoil – From the French, literally meaning four leaves or petals, such as a four-leaf clover. It’s popularity peaked during the Gothic Revival and Renaissance periods, and can be seen on countless churches and cathedrals to this day. It has also been an official part of the Bishop James Madison Society, established 1812 at the College of William and Mary, and the national symbol of the women’s fraternity Phi Mu, the 2nd oldest female fraternity and founded at Wesleyan College in 1852.

Fleur de lis – Originally used by French royalty as far back as the 12th century. It depicts three petals of the iris flower, literally “flowers of the lily”. It is a symbol of royalty and government for many countries; England, Scotland, Hungary, Italy and Bosnia, to name a few. The three petals have been associated with the Holy Trinity, and also represent faith, wisdom and chivalry. Like the quatrefoil, it is used by military and fraternal organizations, and surprisingly, it is incorporated into the badging for the Chevrolet Corvette! The fleur de lis is the main element in the logo of most Scouting organizations, representing the themes of the outdoors and wilderness.

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