I found this article about the Fleur de Lis and post Katrina New Orleans. The symbol originally represented french monarchy and was brought to the US to show France's influence in Louisiana and Quebec. It later transformed, however, into a profound icon for those affected by hurricane Katrina. The image of the Fleur de Lis has underlying social and political meaning for those trying to rebuild their lives after the storm; people of all races, classes, and ages. The image offers individual meaning (as a symbol of defiance) as well as communal meaning (as a symbol of the restoration of New Orleans the city). The article draws a comparison between the Katrina Fleur de Lis to the iconic image of the three firefighters raising the American Flag on 9/11 (symbolic of "American resilience in the face of the murders of 2,819 innocent people"). This article explains that New Orleans residents frequently have the Fleur de Lis tattooed on their bodies, have a tendency to buy products with the symbol plastered on it, and truly believe the fluer de Lis is representative of New Orleans restoration.
I found another article that displays what the symbol represents for the restoration of the collective New Orleans community. This poster, titled "Resurrection” and created by a Louisiana native, signifies the strength and solidarity of New Orleans after Katrina. Part of the proceeds from the poster sales go to New Orleans Habitat for Humanities projects.
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