There are a number of national flags that feature the color combination of red, white and green. The particular flag being referred to in the question is most likely the flag of Mexico. The Mexican flag consists of three vertical bands of green, white, and red with the Mexican coat of arms featuring an eagle, a snake and cactus in the center.
Description of the Mexican Flag
The Mexican flag, often called the Tricolor or Tri-color, has a width-to-length ratio of 4:7. The three vertical bands of color are of equal width, with green on the hoist side, white in the middle, and red on the fly side. The coat of arms is featured in the center of the white stripe.
The coat of arms depicts an eagle standing on a cactus plant and devouring a serpent. This design is encircled by a wreath and topped by an arc with the words “Estados Unidos Mexicanos”, meaning “United Mexican States”, inscribed in capital letters. Below the arc is a ribbon with the date “1821”, representing the year of Mexico’s independence from Spain.
Symbolism of the Colors and Images
The three colors and central emblem each carry meaning and symbolism.
Green
The color green symbolizes hope and victory. It represents the country’s independence from Spain.
White
The white color signifies purity, unity, and Catholic faith. It represents the Catholic religion of the original Mexican people.
Red
The color red stands for the blood shed by heroes in the fight for freedom and justice. It symbolizes the courage and bravery of the Mexican people.
Eagle
The golden eagle represents the Aztec heritage of Mexico. It symbolizes power, authority, and bravery.
Snake
The rattlesnake represents evil and the Aztec legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan. It symbolizes the struggle between good and evil.
Cactus
The cactus (nopal) represents the legend of the Aztecs settling on an island in Lake Texcoco, where they saw an eagle devouring a snake while perched on a cactus plant. The cactus symbolizes the location of the Aztec capital.
History of the Mexican Flag
The current design of the Mexican flag was finalized in 1968, but similar tricolor flags had been used since the early 19th century during Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spain.
First National Flag – 1821
The first Mexican national flag was used by the Army of the Three Guarantees in 1821 during the final stage of the Mexican War of Independence. It featured three horizontal stripes of green, white, and red with the coat of arms in the center. This flag was never officially adopted.
Flag of the First Mexican Empire – 1822
In 1822, a new flag was adopted after Mexico gained independence. It had two vertical stripes of green and red with the imperial coat of arms in the center. This flag represented the First Mexican Empire under Agustín de Iturbide from 1822 to 1823.
Flag of United Mexican States – 1823
After Mexico became a republic in 1823, the design changed to a tricolor with vertical stripes of green, white, and red and the national coat of arms in the middle. This basic tricolor design has been used ever since.
Laws Codifying the Flag
The first law providing a specific description of the Mexican flag was passed in 1837. The current law regulating the flag’s design dates from 1968. It sets very specific guidelines for the proportions, colors, and details of the national flag.
Other Flags With Similar Color Patterns
While Mexico’s is likely the most recognizable red, white and green tricolor flag, it is not the only national flag with this color pattern.
Italy
The flag of Italy features three vertical bands of green, white, and red. Unlike Mexico’s, the green stripe on Italy’s flag is adjacent to the flagpole. The flag dates to 1797 when it represented the Cispadane Republic in northern Italy. It was adopted as the national flag in 1861.
Iran
The flag of Iran has horizontal stripes of green, white, and red with a red emblem in the center. It was adopted in 1906 during the Persian Constitutional Revolution and redesigned in 1980 after the Islamic Revolution.
Hungary
Hungary’s national flag consists of three equal horizontal bands of red, white, and green. It dates back to the 1848 Hungarian Revolution against the Habsburg Monarchy.
Mali
The flag of Mali features three vertical stripes – green, gold, and red. The green is adjacent to the flagpole. In the center is a black emblem depicting an arrowhead. The flag was adopted when Mali became an independent nation in 1961.
Other Red, White and Green Flags
In addition to national flags, the color scheme of red, white, and green appears in the flags of many countries’ pan-African and pan-Arab movements, as well as the flag of Rastafarians. Several former Spanish colonies also use red, white and green flags.
| Country | Flag |
|---|---|
| Italy | Vertical green, white and red tricolor |
| Iran | Horizontal green, white and red tricolor with emblem |
| Hungary | Horizontal red, white and green tricolor |
| Mali | Vertical green, gold and red tricolor with emblem |
Use of the Mexican Flag
The Mexican flag is a source of great national pride and an important part of Mexican identity. Its display and use are protected by law.
When the Flag is Flown
The flag is required to be displayed in a place of honor outside of all Mexican federal, state, and municipal buildings and schools. It must be raised and lowered at precise times each day. All Mexican ships at sea must fly the national flag.
Flag Etiquette
Mexican law sets strict rules for handling and displaying the flag to show proper respect:
– The flag should never touch the ground.
– It must be illuminated if flown at night.
– The flag can only be flown alone on top of a flagpole or mast.
– Other flags cannot be placed above the Mexican flag.
Using the Flag Design
Regulations also govern the use of the flag design in other contexts:
– The coat of arms can only be used by official entities.
– The flag image can be used on official vehicles, uniforms, etc.
– The flag colors and images are incorporated into popular culture.
– Commercial or misrepresentative use is restricted.
Showing Respect
During formal raising and lowering of the flag, citizens must show respect by standing at attention, removing hats, and placing hands over hearts. Honors are to be rendered to the flag when it passes in parade.
Conclusion
The Mexican flag with its striking tricolor pattern is an important national symbol that is treated with great reverence. The specific design, full of meaning and history, represents the country’s struggle for independence and its proud heritage. This iconic flag is one of the most recognizable in the world due to its bold red, white and green coloring and central eagle and serpent coat of arms that pays homage to Mexico’s indigenous roots. The pride and patriotism shown by Mexicans for their flag is evident in the care they take to display it properly and use it respectfully. The red, white and green Mexican flag will continue to fly as a symbol of Mexican identity and independence for generations to come.