ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Great Seal of France

The great seal of France is like a special stamp that the French government can use to show that an important document is real and official. It's kind of like a superhero symbol that lets people know that the document is really important!

The seal has a picture of a big eagle on it because the eagle is a strong bird that represents power and authority. The eagle is holding a thunderbolt in one claw, which represents strength, and a scepter in the other claw, which represents the power to rule.

The seal also has a picture of a shield with three fleurs-de-lis on it. Fleurs-de-lis are a special symbol that represents France. Three fleurs-de-lis means that France has a really important history and culture that goes back a long time.

When the French government needs to stamp an important document, like a law or a treaty, they use the great seal of France to show that it's the real deal. Without the seal, it would be like a superhero without a symbol on their chest- it just wouldn't be as official or important!