What is the story behind the Greek 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). …

What does the blue in the Greek flag represent?

The color blue – which has changed throughout the years – is said to represent Greece’s sky and sea.

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.

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.

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.

Why do they raise the Greek flag?

Regardless of the Games’ location, the Greek flag is hoisted and their national anthem is played to honour the ancient origins of the Olympics. During the event, a nod to Greece was given as part of the enduring tradition as the Greek flag was raised while the national anthem was played.

Why are there 9 stripes on the Greek flag?

According to popular tradition, the nine stripes represent the nine syllables of the phrase Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος (“Freedom or Death”), the five blue stripes for the syllables Ελευθερία and the four white stripes ή Θάνατος. The nine stripes are also said to represent the letters of the word “freedom” (Greek: ελευθερία).

Which is the oldest flag in the world?

of Denmark
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.

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.

Why is the Olympic flag in Greece?

Why is the Greek flag flown at the Olympic Games closing ceremony? The Greek flag is always flown during the closing ceremony in recognition of the role ancient Greece had in creating the Olympic Games. From 776BC, the games were held every four years in Greece in honour of the god Zeus.

Who carried the Greek flag?

The choice of Korakaki and Petrounias offers a pleasing echo of 1964 when hurdler Georgios Marsellos was the first Torchbearer in Olympia and also carried the Greek flag at the Opening Ceremony in Tokyo.

What are facts about the flag of Greece?

The flag of Greece is rectangular with nine equal stripes of blue (5) and white (4) from left to right. In the top left corner is a blue square with a white cross. This flag has been used since 1822, when the young Greek state was fighting for its independence from the Ottoman Empire during the Greek War of Independence .

What was the flag of ancient Greece?

The blue and white cross represents the Greek Orthodox religion. Formerly, the national flag of Greece was simply a blue and white cross. The flag in its current incarnation has been used symbolically since 1828, but it did not become the national flag of Greece until December 22, 1978.

How does the Greek flag look like?

The Greek flag is very recognizable. It consists of an equal-armed white cross on a blue ground in the upper left corner of the flag, with the remaining area filled with nine alternating blue-and-white horizontal stripes. The top and bottom stripes of the flag are always blue.

What does the flag of Greece represent?

Flag of Greece. The flag of Greece is composed of nine horizontal lines of blue that alternates it with white. And on the upper right side in the corner is a white cross on blue background. The cross, it was said symbolizes Greek orthodoxy the authority religion of the Greek people. According to some beliefs, the nine stripes represent the nine muses or goddess.