Greek flag
The pattern and colors of the Greek flag has changed somewhat since the Revolution of the Hellenic nation in 1821. Many people wonder why the founders of the Democracy have chosen the symbols, patterns and colors that appear on the national flag of Greece. It is difficult to reveal the true intentions of those responsible for the selection of the flag.
Greek flag
The design, symbols and colors of the Greek flag
The stripes represent the number of syllables of the phrase: Eleftheria i Thanatos (Freedom or death). Liberty or Death was the motto in the years of the Hellenic Revolution against the Ottoman Empire 19nth century [Others say that the stripes reflect the number of letters from the Greek word for Freedom Eleftheria]. This word stirred the hearts of the oppressed Greeks, it created intense emotions and inspired them to fight and win their freedom after 400 years of slavery. The striped pattern was chosen because of its similarity with the wavy sea that surrounds the shores of Greece. The exchange of blue and white colors makes the Greek flag on a windy day to look like the Aegean Pelagos (sea). Only the quaint islands are missing! The Hellenic Square Cross that rests on the upper left side of the flag and occupies one fourth of the total area demonstrates the respect and devotion the Hellenic people have for the Greek Orthodox Church and signifies the important role of Christianity in the formation of the modern Hellenic nation. During the dark years of Ottoman rule, the Greek Orthodox Church Greek slaves helped to maintain their cultural characteristics: the Hellenic language, Byzantine and religion in general, Hellenic ethnic identity by the institution of Crypha Scholia (secret schools .)The scholia Crypha were a network of schools that operated secretly throughout Greece and were committed in transmitting to the Greeks the wonders of their ancestors and the rest of their cultural heritage. Today, Christianity remains the dominant religion among the Greeks. Therefore, the meaning of the Cross is justified.
The colors of the Greek Flag
Blue and White. These two colors symbolize the blue of Greece and the whiteness of its restless waves! According to the mythic legends, the Goddess of Beauty and Love, Aphrodite (Venus) emerged from these waves. It also reflects the blue sky and white Hellenic of the few clouds in it. Some speculate that the blue and white symbolize the similar color of clothing (pants) of the Greek sailors during the War of Independence.
Greek Flag