Greek mythology had it that Iris is the goddess of the rainbow and the daughter of Thaumas and Electra. She was represented as the messenger of Hera and Zeus. Ever since the ancient times, the royal flower of Iris symbolized power and majesty. The flower was dedicated to Juno - a Roman deity, which was surprisingly thought to be the origin of the scepter. The people of Egypt placed an iris flower on the brow of the Sphinx and on the scepter of the Egyptian kings which identified three leaves of its blossoms as symbols of valor, wisdom and faith.
During the medieval ages, before the Italian Renaissance, the flower's meaning was associated with the French monarchy. Ever since then, Fleur-de-lys became the national symbol of France. In a few languages in the world, iris flowers are called flags or swords, implying that they were symbolic of royalty, heritage and heraldry. In Japan, the meaning has been interpreted as an expression of heroic deeds. The blue color of Japanese iris symbolizes blue blood. This is why iris flowers are used extensively in the Japanese spring festival for boys. Iris flowers were used in making perfumes, fragrances and as a medicinal herb too. Today, you can find irises in gardens, yards, bouquets and even in the forests throughout the world.
