The Mexican flag is one of the most recognizable national flags in the world with its striking tricolor design of green, white and red vertical stripes and Mexico’s national coat of arms in the center. But what do the colors and symbols on the Mexican flag actually represent? The meanings behind the colors and symbols tell the history and values of the Mexican nation.
Background on the Mexican Flag
The current version of the Mexican flag was adopted in 1968, but the basic design and colors date back to 1821 when the first Mexican flag was created after the country gained independence from Spain. The original meaning and symbolism of the colors and emblems have remained largely unchanged since 1821.
Here are some key facts about the history and background of the Mexican flag:
– The first Mexican flag was sewn by Jose Magdaleno Ocampo and first flown in 1821. It featured the same green, white and red vertical stripes as the current flag.
– The coat of arms was revised and updated several times between 1821-1968 before arriving at the current version.
– The current national coat of arms on the flag was adopted in 1968 under President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz.
– The proportions of the flag are 4:7, meaning the flag is 4 units high and 7 units long.
– The exact colors of green, red and white are officially specified by the Mexican government in the Official Mexican Standards document NOM-147-SCFI-2018.
Meaning of the Three Colores
The three vertical stripes of green, white and red have carried symbolic meaning since the original Mexican flag of 1821. The meaning behind each color is:
Green – This stands for Independence. The color green symbolizes hope, victory and the independence movement led by Father Miguel Hidalgo in the early 19th century that led to Mexico’s freedom from Spanish rule.
White – White represents Purity. The color white symbolizes purity of the Catholic faith which is the majority religion in Mexico and was an important rallying point for Mexican independence.
Red – This color stands for Union. The color red represents the union of all Mexicans and the blood shed by heroes who died fighting for Mexico’s independence and freedom.
So in summary, the three colors together are said to represent the core values of the Mexican people and the cause of Mexican independence: independence, religion and national unity. The vertical tricolor pattern itself is believed to have been inspired by the French flag, acknowledging French support for Mexico’s independence movement against Spain.
Meaning of the Coat of Arms
At the center of the Mexican flag is the country’s official coat of arms or emblem, known as the Escudo Nacional. This shield contains multiple symbolic images and elements from Mexican history:
Golden Eagle – A large golden eagle with outstretched wings perched on a prickly pear cactus devouring a rattlesnake. This iconic image recalls the founding of Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City) when the Aztecs saw this vision which prophesied they should build their capital at this site. The eagle represents valor and bravery.
Cactus – The prickly pear cactus represents the Aztec place of origin and the island where Tenochtitlan was built on Lake Texcoco.
Snake – The rattlesnake represents evil and the triumph of good over evil. Specifically, it symbolizes the Aztec victory over their enemies and the survival and prosperity of Tenochtitlan.
Wreath – The wreath of oak and laurel leaves stands for honor, victory and success. Oak leaves represent strength, while laurel leaves are used to make victory wreaths.
Banner – The ribbon in the eagle’s beak says “Unitary Republic, United Provinces, Sovereign States”. This refers to the post-independence federalist structure of Mexico as united sovereign states.
In summary, the coat of arms combines ancient Aztec symbols with representations of strength and victory to tell the history and identity of the Mexican nation from independence to the present. The eagle and snake reflect Mexico’s indigenous origins, while the wreath and banner represent Mexico as a modern sovereign state.
Other Minor Symbols
In addition to the three colors and central emblem, there are a few other minor design elements on the Mexican flag:
– The shield shape of the coat of arms is traditional in heraldry and said to represent protection of the nation.
– A small arc of five grape leaves and tendrils appears at the bottom of the red stripe and was part of the 1821 original flag. It is believed to stand for the five original states of the Mexican Federation.
– The spear points and horn shapes ornamenting the edges of the wreath may represent weapons historically used by indigenous Mexicans in warfare and ceremonies.
Conclusion
The Mexican flag’s colors, coat of arms and other symbols encapsulate the history, values and shared identity of the Mexican nation from its indigenous roots to the struggle for independence to modern day. The striking tricolor pattern and eagle emblem have become globally recognized as the distinct flag of Mexico. Both Mexicans and people worldwide can appreciate the layered meanings in the flag which represent universal themes like freedom, faith, strength and national pride. More than just a simple banner, the Mexican flag is an intricate national symbol that tells the story of a proud and culturally rich country.