Flags of the World: Facts and Stories #2
We continue to tell you the fascinating stories represented by the colors and symbols on the world's flags.
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The Flag of Mexico: History and Legend
The flag of Mexico is rich in historical and mythological symbolism. Adopted in 1968, it consists of three vertical stripes of green, white, and red. In the center of the white stripe is an emblem depicting an eagle holding a snake in its beak and talons, perched on a cactus.
This emblem is based on an ancient Aztec legend, according to which the gods told the Aztecs to build their city where they would see an eagle on a cactus eating a snake. This place is now Mexico City. Green represents hope, white purity and unity, and red the blood of patriots who fought for the country's independence.
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The Flag of China: A Symbol of Revolution
The flag of China, known as the "Red Flag," was adopted on October 1, 1949, the day of the proclamation of the People's Republic of China. The flag is red with a large star surrounded by four smaller stars arranged in an arc, in the upper left corner.
Red represents the communist revolution and the sacrifice of revolutionary martyrs. The large star symbolizes the Communist Party of China, while the four smaller stars are the four social classes united under the party's leadership: workers, peasants, urban petty bourgeoisie, and national bourgeoisie. This flag is a powerful emblem of the party's unity and leadership in building the Chinese nation.
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The Flag of Australia: The Stars of the Commonwealth
The flag of Australia, adopted in 1901, is a representation of historical ties with the United Kingdom and Australian national identity. The flag features a Union Jack in the upper left corner, a large white seven-pointed star known as the "Commonwealth Star," and a group of five white stars forming the Southern Cross constellation on the right.
The Union Jack symbolizes the historical link with the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth Star represents the six original states and territories of Australia, and the Southern Cross is an important symbol of the night sky of the Southern Hemisphere.
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The Flag of Japan: The Power of a Symbol
The flag of Japan, known as "Nisshoki" or more commonly "Hinomaru," is simple and powerful: a red disk on a white background. The red disk represents the rising sun, which is an important part of Japanese mythology and culture. Japan is often called "the land of the rising sun," and this is reflected in the national flag.
Officially adopted in 1870, the Japanese flag is a symbol of hope and rebirth. White represents the purity and honesty of the Japanese people.
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The Flag of Brazil: A World in Colors
The flag of Brazil is a riot of colors and symbols representing the nation's natural wealth and aspirations. Adopted on November 19, 1889, a few days after the proclamation of the Republic, the flag has a green background with a large yellow rhombus in the center, containing a blue globe with 27 white stars and a white band with the motto "Ordem e Progresso" (Order and Progress), inspired by positivism, a very influential political philosophy at the time.
Green represents the forests and natural resources, while yellow symbolizes Brazil's mineral wealth. The blue globe with the stars represents the sky over Rio de Janeiro. The 27 stars correspond to Brazil's 26 states and the federal district.
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