For centuries, the flag has become symbolic of a nation and is generally representative of the nation during sporting, political and cultural events. National flags are traditionally rectangular in shape and made up of a design and colour-way that relates to the ethos, culture and history of the nation.
Let us take a look at a few examples. The flag of Greece we know today (blue and white stripes with a white cross on a blue background in the top left corner) was officially established in 1822, representing Eastern Orthodox Christianity (the cross) and possibly freedom or the nine Muses of art and civilisation (the nine stripes).
With white and blue commonly used throughout Ancient Greek mythology through to the buildings that often line the coast, the colours, too, bear relation to Greek history. The white of the waves and the blue of the sea could also be represented by the white and blue stripes, which is a likely story considering Greece's vast coastlines.
The flag of Cyprus was given its own flag in 1960 when it was declared an independent state, following being under British administration. Turkey and Greece were the two countries that lived on the island at the time so the flag was instructed to be designed without using the colours of either country. With two green olive branches underneath on a white background to signify peace, the flag was given the design of an orange Cyprus map.
Cyprus is still made up of two very distinct halves despite been given a neutral flag. These are the Republic of Cyprus (the Greek half) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus who have adopted their own Turkey inspired red and white flag. The dispute between the Greek's and Turkish Cyprus is to be settled by the United Nations, which could involve a new flag made up of the colours of both sides.
Let us take a look at a few examples. The flag of Greece we know today (blue and white stripes with a white cross on a blue background in the top left corner) was officially established in 1822, representing Eastern Orthodox Christianity (the cross) and possibly freedom or the nine Muses of art and civilisation (the nine stripes).
With white and blue commonly used throughout Ancient Greek mythology through to the buildings that often line the coast, the colours, too, bear relation to Greek history. The white of the waves and the blue of the sea could also be represented by the white and blue stripes, which is a likely story considering Greece's vast coastlines.
The flag of Cyprus was given its own flag in 1960 when it was declared an independent state, following being under British administration. Turkey and Greece were the two countries that lived on the island at the time so the flag was instructed to be designed without using the colours of either country. With two green olive branches underneath on a white background to signify peace, the flag was given the design of an orange Cyprus map.
Cyprus is still made up of two very distinct halves despite been given a neutral flag. These are the Republic of Cyprus (the Greek half) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus who have adopted their own Turkey inspired red and white flag. The dispute between the Greek's and Turkish Cyprus is to be settled by the United Nations, which could involve a new flag made up of the colours of both sides.
About the Author:
Steve Alexander is a travel writer who has visited the Greek islands on several occasions. Find great savings on Greece hotels at Hotels4u or click here for top deals in Cyprus.
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