The Flag of Greece: History, Meaning and Symbolism

We see flags flying high and proud all the time, but how often do we actually stop and think about what they mean? While some flags are undoubtedly brighter or more memorable than others, they are just as important. In fact, flags can represent anything. There are flags that symbolize the past, and there are flags that represent hope for the future. There are also flags that are symbols of power, war or loss. But what does the Greek flag stand for? Let's find out!

greek history

Greece, officially named the Hellenic Republic, is located at the southern tip of the Balkan peninsula. The country is steeped in history, with a long and varied past, with the earliest evidence of humans dating back to 270,000 BC. However, by the 14th ^century , the country began to fall under the rule of the vast Ottoman Empire. Over the ensuing centuries, the Greeks attempted to break this rule several times. However, it was not until 1821 and the Greek Revolution that a serious uprising was achieved.

The Greek War of Independence was a war between the Greek people and the Ottoman Empire from 1821 to 1829. This time the Greeks were victorious, and the revolution led to the formation of modern Greece. In the years after the war, Greece was still heavily influenced by Bavaria, France, Russia and Great Britain. Nevertheless, the early years of its independence were the most important in the formation of Greek education and administration.

Although Greece is now free of Ottoman rule, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the country, and the ensuing century was marred by more wars. However, another important moment in Greek history came in 1940, when Italy demanded Greece's surrender during World War II. Greece refused and managed to drive the Italian army back to Albania, giving the Allies their first victory.

History of the Flag of Greece

The Greek flag is often referred to as the "blue and white flag". This is because of its distinctive bluish-white appearance. It consists of nine horizontal stripes of blue and white – five blue and four white. In the upper corner on the side of the crane is a blue square with a white cross.

The flag was officially adopted as the national symbol of Greece on December 22, 1978. However, it has actually been around for much longer. This is because its predecessor was the ensign ensign, which was adopted in January 1822. The original design of the naval ensign also featured the Bavarian coat of arms of the Wittelsbach dynasty in the center, topped by a crown.

symbolic meaning

While the nine horizontal stripes have no official meaning, there are many theories as to what they represent. The most popular theory is that they represent the nine syllables in the Greek motto Eleftheria i thanatos . When translated, it means "freedom or death". The blue stripes are said to represent the syllables of eleftheria , while the white stripes represent the syllables of i thanatos .

The adage originated during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s. It was first heard in popular inspirational songs at the time. The adage was then used as a war cry by the Greeks who rebelled against Ottoman rule. It was adopted as a Greek motto after the war. This motto represents Greece's determination against tyranny and oppression. Literally, it represents the way the Greek people were willing to sacrifice themselves in the struggle for freedom. Another theory about the symbolism of the stripes is that they represent the nine letters in the Greek word for "freedom" (ελευθερία).

Also, the blue and white of the national flag are the traditional colors of Greece. They represent the sea and sky of Greece and evoke a sense of pride in the country's people. Also, blue states with white crosses represent Orthodox Christianity, which is the main religion in Greece. However, it should be noted that the colors of the flags have not yet been standardized. Therefore, different shades of blue can be used.

flag day

While October ^27th is the main flag day, Greece only has three days. These are the times when the flag should be hoisted on all public and government buildings. These days are:

• ^March 25: Anniversary of the start of the Greek War of Independence.
• ^October 27: The day before Oxi Day. Oxi Day commemorates Greece's refusal to surrender to the Axis powers during World War II.
• ^November 17: Polytechnic Day, anniversary of the Polytechnic uprising against the military junta.

revolutionary banner

While the current Greek flag is the most widely known Greek flag, it is not the first flag to fly over the country. Instead, the first land flag was a flag consisting of a blue background with a white cross. Although this flag was used in some parts of Greece as early as the 1700s, it is best known as the "Flag of the Revolution". This is because it was under this symbol that Greece fought for liberation in the War of Independence.

This flag was adopted in January 1822. At the same time, the current flag was adopted as a naval ensign. It was intended to attempt to adopt a common flag for the country and abolish the use of other revolutionary flags. Although coats of arms were added to the flag in subsequent years and eventually removed, it is better known in its original form. Today, the flag can still be seen flying over the old Parliament building in Athens, which is now the Athens History Museum.

next

• Every Flag in the World: Photos, History, and More
• Explore the largest Greek island
• Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina: History, Meaning and Symbolism

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

When did the first humans appear in Greece?

Greece, officially named the Hellenic Republic, is located at the southern tip of the Balkan peninsula. The country is steeped in history, with a long and varied past, with the earliest evidence of humans dating back to 270,000 BC.

What is the revolutionary flag of Greece?

While the current Greek flag is the most widely known Greek flag, it is not the first flag to fly over the country. Instead, the first land flag was a flag consisting of a blue background with a white cross. Although this flag was used in some parts of Greece as early as the 1700s, it is best known as the "Flag of the Revolution". This is because it was under this symbol that Greece fought for liberation in the War of Independence.

When is Flag Day in Greece?

March 25: Anniversary of the start of the Greek War of Independence.

October 27: The day before Oxi Day. Oxi Day commemorates Greece's refusal to surrender to the Axis powers during World War II.

17 November: Polytechnic Day, anniversary of the Polytechnic of Athens uprising against the military junta.

Thanks for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the 10hunting.com editorial team.