What was the first flag of Greece?

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 the flag of Greece change?

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.

Does 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.

Where did the Greek flag come from?

The current Flag of Greece was adopted by the First National Assembly at Epidaurus in January 1822 as the naval ensign. Between 1822–1978, this flag was used at sea and for foreign service. In 1978, it was established as the sole national flag and also as the war and civil Ensign.

What is the history of Greece flag?

National flag The current Flag of Greece was adopted by the First National Assembly at Epidaurus in January 1822 as the naval ensign. Between 1822–1978, this flag was used at sea and for foreign service. In 1978, it was established as the sole national flag and also as the war and civil Ensign.

Why are Greek churches blue and white?

Blue and white colours became permanent when a military government came in power in the year 1967. They made it mandatory for all the buildings on the islands to be painted blue and white as they thought these colours supported their political agenda.

Why are Greek doors blue?

Politics behind the colours Blue and white colours became permanent when a military government came in power in the year 1967. They made it mandatory for all the buildings on the islands to be painted blue and white as they thought these colours supported their political agenda.

What is the length of the Greek flag?

The flag has a width-to-length ratio of 2 to 3. In the 19th century Greece was under Ottoman rule, but the desire for religious freedom and cultural development led to a nationalist revolt and the proclamation of Greek independence in the 1820s.

Why is the Greek flag blue and white?

In March 1822 the colours blue and white, expressing dedication to the Greek Orthodox faith, were adopted for two versions of the national flag. On land the flag was blue with a white cross extending to the edges, symbolizing “the wisdom of God, freedom and country.”

What is the Greek flag for the Ottoman Empire?

This flag, the so-called “Graeco-Ottoman” ensign (Γραικοθωμανική παντιέρα), was allowed for use by Greek merchant ships during the latter stages of Ottoman rule. The flag consists of three horizontal stripes in the colours red (for the Ottoman Empire), blue (for the Greeks) and red (see article on Ottoman flags).

Do they still use the Greek flag?

Those two flags continue to be used, although the plain cross flag is now restricted to use by the military and for other special purposes. The greatest variation in the Greek flag relates to alterations in the shade of blue, some made unofficially and others according to law.