Flags of the world: facts and stories #6
Among the many types of flags in the world, vertical tricolors are among the most recognizable: three bands placed side by side, sharp colors, and a graphic balance that always works.
Each country imprints its history into these colors, deep roots often linked to revolutions, national identities, and influences.
Let's discover some fun facts about the most famous tricolors together!
The Flag of France
The French flag, the blue, white, and red tricolor: these are the values of the French Revolution (liberty, equality, and fraternity).
One of its most interesting peculiarities is its role: after its introduction, many nations adopted similar structures, thus giving value to the vertical tricolor.
Fun Fact 👉🏻🇫🇷 The French flag was flown for the first time in 1789 during the French Revolution, in which the monarchy was overthrown and the first Declaration of the Rights of Man was written.
The Flag of Italy
The Italian tricolor takes up the French structure but with different colors: green, white, and red. One of the most widespread interpretations links these colors to the landscape: green for the plains, white for the Alps, red for the blood spilled for national unity.
Its characteristic is its strong presence in daily life: it is not just an institutional symbol, but also a deeply rooted cultural, sporting, and identity element.
Fun Fact 👉🏻🇮🇹 In 1861, the Italian flag was flown to celebrate the birth of Italy; compared to the current version, however, it featured the Savoy coat of arms, which was removed when the country became a republic in 1946.
The Flag of Ireland
The Irish flag is another vertical tricolor that encompasses a very powerful message: the green represents Catholics, the orange Protestants, while the white in the middle is a wish for peace and union between the followers of the two religions.
It is a perfect example of how a flag can become a tool for reconciliation, going beyond simple geographical representation.
Fun Fact 👉🏻🇮🇪 The Irish tricolor was flown in 1848 by the Young Ireland movement, led by revolutionary youths who fought for independence from the United Kingdom and was inspired by the French one.
The Flag of Mexico
The Mexican tricolor adds a unique element: the central coat of arms with an eagle perched on a cactus while clutching a snake in its beak. This image derives from an ancient Aztec prophecy indicating the founding of the capital, Tenochtitlán.
The presence of the coat of arms makes this flag one of the most recognizable among vertical tricolors, combining a simple structure with complex symbolism.
Fun Fact 👉🏻🇲🇽 The tricolor of this flag is inspired by the French one, taken as a model by the Mexicans who also fought to gain independence from Spain.
The Flag of Belgium
The flag of Belgium is composed of three vertical bands of black, yellow, and red. Unlike other tricolors, the colors here derive from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant (gold lion on black with red claws), which occupied the Belgian territory until the mid-17th century.
An interesting element is that, while resembling the German flag in color, Belgium arranges them vertically and in a different order, demonstrating how small details can create completely distinct identities.
Fun Fact 👉🏻🇧🇪 Unlike many national flags, the official shape is almost square and is famous for having been turned compared to its first version.
And you, which tricolor are you?
If you collect flags, vertical tricolors are the most iconic and versatile.
