...those with symbols and those without. St. Louis has a symbol: the Fleur de Lis.
Can you think of any other cities with a symbol? Big cities? Does Denver have a symbol? What about Austin, Nashville, Portland, Seattle, LA or San Francisco? I don't think any of those places have a unique symbol. They all have flags, but are they recognized by a symbol?
What does it say about St. Louis that we have a recognized symbol and the other places that don't?
Just for grins, check out the flip side of the Oregon state flag on the link. Are they the only state with a different image on the front and back side of their state flag?
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I made a wikipedia article for the iconography of St. Louis. I think it has a long way to go.
We can't fully claim the fleur-de-lis, as the recent superbowl champions have shown.
That's just one symbol for the city, we're more than that.
Several cities identify with the fleur-de-lis: Saint Louis, New Orleans and Louisville. I think the Apotheosis of Saint Louis (King Louis on the horse) is a more distinctively STL symbol.
I don't think it is a problem if we share a symbol with another place. The fleur de lis connects us with our French origins. And it's pretty.
King Louis the 9th was a good king and someone we can proudly claim as our patron Saint. That's a cool way for us to connect to our Catholic roots.
All of these symbols say something more to me...we are place with great meaning and tradition. Our origins date back many hundreds of years.
We have a lot of layers here and the more you peel them back, the more interesting the place is.
I think most people around the U.S. and the world would recognize us more for the Arch than the fleu-de-lis. Both are cool.
It is precious that St. Louis celebrates its French heritage. It is peculiar that the most visible manifestation of this is the Grand Parade Mardi Gras drunk. This year it has snagged Bommarito. Other years it has snagged other corrupt insiders. Meanwhile, it provides a wonderful venue for underage drinking, drunk driving, etc., in addition to showcasing the arrogance of the fine folks who hold themselves out as St. Louis leaders. Yes, St. Louis is good at twisting its heritage into something that is embarassing. It is a tribute to the leadership of St. Louis.
Speaking of Mardis Gras and drunk driving, does anyone know what qualifies Vince Bommarito to be on the Board of Police Commissioners in the first place?
I challenge you guys to edit, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iconography_of_St._Louis,_Missouri
The fleur-de-lis is one of many symbols Saint Louis holds dear. Though not as ostentatious or integral as it is to New Orleans, I love how it has endured as a nod to our French heritage.
I've only lived in St. Louis for a few years, but I've always felt the arch was the iconographic of St. Louis.
Boy Scouts of America uses the fleur de lis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boy_Scouting_%28Boy_Scouts_of_America%29
The symbol of Portland is a rose, and is known as "The City of Roses". Although we also have the beaver.....
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