The Flag of Greece: History, Meaning, and Symbolism

Written by Hannah Ward
Published: January 17, 2023
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We see flags all the time, flying high and proud, but how often do we actually stop to think about what it is they mean? Although some flags are undoubtedly brighter or more memorable than others they are no less important. The truth is, flags can represent any manner of things. There are flags that symbolize the past, that represent the hope for the future. There are also flags that are a symbol of power, of war, or of loss. But what does the flag of Greece represent? Let’s find out!

Greece Flag

Officially named the Hellenic Republic, Greece is located on the southern tip of the Balkans. The country is steeped in history and has a long and varied past, with the earliest evidence of humans dating back to 270,000 BC.

©GR.Stocks/Shutterstock.com

History of Greece

Officially named the Hellenic Republic, Greece is located on the southern tip of the Balkans. The country is steeped in history and has a long and varied past, with the earliest evidence of humans dating back to 270,000 BC. However, by the 14th century the country began to fall under the rule of the vast Ottoman Empire. Over the next few centuries the Greeks attempted many times to break free from this rule. However, it wasn’t until 1821 and the Greek Revolution that a serious uprising was achieved.

The Greek War of Independence was fought between the people of Greece and the Ottoman Empire between 1821 and 1829. This time the Greeks were successful and this revolution led to the formation of modern Greece. In the immediate years after the war Greece was still heavily influenced by Bavaria, France, Russia, and the UK. Despite this, the early years of its independence were some of the most important in the formation of Greek education and administration.

Although Greece was now free of the Ottoman rule it was not to be plain sailing for the country, with the following century being marred with yet more wars. However, another important moment in Greek history came in 1940 when Italy demanded the surrender of Greece during the Second World War. Greece refused and managed to push the Italian forces back into Albania, giving the Allies one of their first victories.

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The fresco in the Palace of Knossos, Crete, Greece (Museum of the Minotaur).

©Sergey Lyashenko/Shutterstock.com

History of the Flag of Greece

The flag of Greece is commonly referred to as “the blue and white one”. This is because of its distinctive blue and white appearance. It consists of nine horizontal stripes of blue and white – five blue and four white. In the upper corner at the hoist side is a blue square with a white cross.

The flag was officially adopted as the national symbol of Greece on December 22, 1978. However, it has actually been around for much longer. This is because it was formerly the naval ensign flag which was adopted in January 1822. The initial design of the naval flag also featured the Bavarian coat of arms of the Wittelsbach dynasty in the center which was topped by a crown.

Symbolism and Meaning

Although the nine horizontal stripes do not have an official meaning there are a number of theories about what they represent. The most popular theory is that they represent the nine syllables in the the Greek motto Eleftheria i thanatos. When translated it means “Freedom or Death”. It is said that the blue stripes represent the syllables of eleftheria and the white stripes the syllables of i thanatos.

This motto originated during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820’s. It was first heard in the motivational songs that were sung at the time. The motto was then used as a war cry by the Greeks who were rebelling against the Ottoman rule. It was adopted as the Greek motto after the war. This motto represents the Greek resolve to stand against tyranny and oppression. In literal terms it represents the way that the people of Greek were willing to sacrifice themselves in the fight for their freedom. Another theory as to the symbolism of the stripes is that they represent the nine letters in the Greek word for “freedom” (ελευθερία).

Furthermore, the blue and white colors of the flag are the traditional colors of Greece. They represent the Greek sea and sky, evoking pride in its nation’s people. Also, the blue canton with the white cross represents Eastern Orthodox Christianity which is the main religion in Greece. However, it should be noted that the flag colors have not been standardized. As a result there can be varying shades of blue used.

National Flag Day

Although the 27th October is the main flag day there are three days in Greece. These are when the national flag should be raised on all public and government buildings. These days are:

  • 25th March: The anniversary of the beginning of the Greek War of Independence.
  • 27th October: The day before Oxi Day. Oxi Day is the anniversary of the day that Greece refused to succumb to the Axis Powers during World War II.
  • 17th November: Polytechnic Day, the anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic Uprising against the military junta.

The Flag of the Revolution

Although the current flag of Greece is the most widely recognised of Greek flags, it was not the first flag to be flown over the country. Instead, the first land flag was flag that consisted of a blue background with a white cross on it. Although this flag had been used in some parts of Greece as far back as the 1700’s it is best known as the “Revolution Flag”. This is because it was under this symbol that Greece fought for its liberation in the War of Independence.

This flag was adopted in January 1822. At the same time, the current flag was adopted as the naval ensign. It was designed as an attempt to adopt a universal flag for the country and abolish the use of other revolutionary flags. Although the flag had a coat of arms added to it in the ensuing years which was then eventually removed, it is better known in its original form. Today, this flag can still be seen flying over the Old Parliament House in Athens which is now the Historical Museum of Athens.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Naypong Studio/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Hannah is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on reptiles, marine life, mammals, and geography. Hannah has been writing and researching animals for four years alongside running her family farm. A resident of the UK, Hannah loves riding horses and creating short stories.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

When are the earliest humans noted in Greece?

Officially named the Hellenic Republic, Greece is located on the southern tip of the Balkans. The country is steeped in history and has a long and varied past, with the earliest evidence of humans dating back to 270,000 BC.

What was the Revolution Flag in Greece?

Although the current flag of Greece is the most widely recognised of Greek flags, it was not the first flag to be flown over the country. Instead, the first land flag was flag that consisted of a blue background with a white cross on it. Although this flag had been used in some parts of Greece as far back as the 1700’s it is best known as the “Revolution Flag”. This is because it was under this symbol that Greece fought for its liberation in the War of Independence.

When are the National Flag days Greece?

25th March: The anniversary of the beginning of the Greek War of Independence.

27th October: The day before Oxi Day. Oxi Day is the anniversary of the day that Greece refused to succumb to the Axis Powers during World War II.

17th November: Polytechnic Day, the anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic Uprising against the military junta.

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Sources
  1. Britannica, Available here: https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Greece
  2. Greek Reporter, Available here: https://greekreporter.com/2021/03/23/greek-flag-through-centuries/
  3. Greeka, Available here: https://www.greeka.com/greece-history/flags/