The fleur-de-lis traditionally represents peace and unity. Fleur-de-lis literally means flower of the lily. Historically, it has been used as a decorative design or symbol in European nations’ heraldry and medieval groups but is primarily associated with France’s former royal arms, which appeared in gold on a blue field. The city of New Orleans and Quebec City has also adopted the fleur-de-lis as their symbol. In Christianity, lilies symbolize purity and chastity, and this is why the Virgin Mary is often represented with the fleur-de-lis. It can also represent Christ and the Holy Trinity. The earliest surviving use of the fleur-de-lis is from a gold helmet of the Scythians, a nomadic people from 7th to 3rd century Europe.