ORIFLAMME

The 'Oriflamme' was the sacred banner of the Abbey of St. Denis, a monastery near Paris. The banner was red or orange-red and flown from a lance. Its color stems from the legend of it being dipped in the blood of the recently-beheaded St. Denis. The oriflamme later became the royal standard of the King of France, and it was carried at the head of the king's forces whenever they met another army in battle. The bearer of the standard, the ''Porte Oriflamme'', became an office (like that of Marshal or Constable) and a great honour, as it was an important and very dangerous job to take charge of such a visible symbol in battle.
Originally Latin, ''aurea flamma'', it translates to "flame of gold."

Contents

Notable Bearers of the ''Oriflamme''

References

Notable Bearers of the ''Oriflamme''

★ Geoffroi de Charny - 14th century knight and author of several works on chivalry. died at Poitiers defending the banner.

★ Arnoul d'Audrehem - 14th century former Marshal of France.

References

★ Heraldica.org

★ Oriflamme Society