Italy

Information about the Italian Flag: Colors and Meaning of the Flag of Italy

The flag of Italy, Bandiera italiana, is a tricolor featuring three equally sized vertical pales displaying the national colors of Italy: the left pale is fern-green, the middle one is bright-white and the right pale is flame Scarlet-red. It was formally adopted on the 1st of January 1948. The first entity to use the Italian tricolor was the Cispadana Republic after Napoleon’s campaigns in 1796.

The Italian history serves as an example to the world of how a nation achieved freedom and independence. Italy was finally united in 1870. The tricolor contained at that time a shield and cross (sometimes even a royal crown) representing the ruling house of Savoy. After June 19, 1946, when Italy was established as Repubblica Italiana, those emblems were removed as a symbol of freedom and independence.

One of the most credible interpretation of the colors suggests that green and white come from the uniforms of the Milanese civic guard, furthermore, some red parts were added in 1796 when the Militia became the National Guard. White and red were also the colors of the Milanese flag. It was clearly inspired by the model of the French flag of 1790.

There were attributed also particular values to the colors of the Italian flag. According also to Ancient and Heraldic traditions white represents peace, honesty or the snow-capped Italian Alps, red illustrates bravery, strength, valor, the blood split in the Wars for Italian Independence and green reflects the hope.

:: Meaning of the Italian Coat and Arms ::

The Coat of Arms of the Italian Republic (Stemma della Repubblica Italiana), has been the symbol of the Italian Republic since 05 May 1948. The dominant element is a five-pointed star; an ancient secular symbol of Italy, known as Stellone d’Italia, aimed to protect the nation. The tips pointing downwards symbolize that Italy is a united state. The olive branch is a symbol of peace, also representing the southern part of the country, and the oak branch, a symbol of strength is also symbolizing the northern part of the country.

:: Italian Presidential Flag or Presidential Standard ::

A squared blue flag, containing in the middle the flag of the Napoleonic Republic of Italy, with the golden coat of arms of Italy on the green square, represents the Italian Presidential Standard.