What is the story behind the Greece flag?
Traditionally, the belief is that the nine stripes represent the nine syllables of the phrase ‘Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος’ (‘Eleftheria I Thanatos’, which means Freedom or Death), though some say they are meant to symbolise the nine letters of the Greek word ‘freedom’ (ελευθερία or eleftheria).
Did ancient Greece have a flag?
The Ancient Greeks in place of flags had shields bearing distinct and symbolic signs, which they called επισημα (episema), and through which they recognized their fellow-soldiers in battle.
What was the first Greek flag?
The first Greek flag was made on the island of Skiathos at the Holy Monastery of Evangelistria in the year 1807. It was made on a loom and had a white cross woven across it against a light blue background.
What does the white on the Greece flag stand for?
The white cross in the upper quadrant of the flag represents Greek Orthodox Christianity, the religion that the majority of people in Greece practice. The nine blue and white stripes represents each syllable in the phrase, “Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος”, which means, “Freedom or Death” in English.
When did Greece change its flag?
The Bavarian dynasty that ruled Greece from 1833 to 1862 had flags of light blue, corresponding to Bavarian symbols. Later a darker blue was substituted and, in the period 1967–74 when Greece was under a military junta, a very dark blue was official. The current flag law dates from December 22, 1978.
What is the oldest flag in the world?
of Denmark
Suddenly the red and white flag fell from the heavens and gave the Danes the bravery to storm forward. The Danes won the battle, and since then the Dannebrog has been the official flag of Denmark. In fact, it holds the world record of being the oldest continuously used national flag in the world!
Who invented the Greek flag?
A military leader, Yiannis Stathas, used a flag with white cross on blue on his ship since 1800. The first flag featuring the design eventually adopted was created and hoisted in the Evangelistria monastery in Skiathos in 1807.
Which is the oldest flag in the world?
The country with the oldest flag in the world is that of Denmark. The Danish flag, called the Danneborg, dates back to 13th century A.D. It is believed to have been in existence since June 15, 1219 though it was officially recognised as the national flag in 1625. Flags, themselves, date further back.
Which country has old flag?
The country with the oldest flag in the world is that of Denmark. The Danish flag, called the Danneborg, dates back to 13th century A.D. It is believed to have been in existence since June 15, 1219 though it was officially recognised as the national flag in 1625.
What was the 1st country to have a flag?
Although several countries lay claim to having the oldest flag, the flag of Denmark is widely considered to be the oldest existing flag in the world. Officially, the flag is known as Dannebrog and traces its history back to at least 1219.
What is the Greek flag called?
The national flag of Greece, popularly referred to as the “blue and white” (Greek: Γαλανόλευκη, Galanólefki) or the “sky blue and white” (Κυανόλευκη, Kyanólefki), is officially recognised by Greece as one of its national symbols and has nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white.
Which is the oldest flag in world?