Flag of Sicily: description, history and symbolism

The state structure of Europe has undergone multiple changes over the centuries. Borders moved, some countries disappeared, others appeared. Echoes of those events can now be seen in the official attributes of states and regions. Let's carefully study the flag of Sicily.

The canvas is of interest at first sight. The fact is that the flag of the island has a very extravagant image, the essence of which lies hidden in history. But let's talk about everything in order.

Flag of Sicily: description

When studying the banner, pay attention to all the little things. So we will. The flag of Sicily (photo above) has two colors: red and yellow, dividing the panel diagonally. They correspond to the cities in the region: Palermo and Corleone. Their inhabitants at one time organized resistance to the ruling Sicily Anjou Home.

The most interesting is the image in the center of the canvas. It is called triskelion. In translation, the word means "triangle". It is believed that the so-called island of the ancient Greeks, when first saw it. They were struck by the shape of the earth, reminiscent of a geometric figure.

The flag of Sicily shows clear connections with mythological characters and has deep historical roots. Triskelion reminds Medusa Gorgon. Most likely, the authors of the cloth decided to use mythical images, symbolically characterizing the region.

Triskelion

The flag of Sicily looks quite modern for a modern man thanks to the symbol depicted in the center. This is a woman's head, from which sticks out three legs and an ear. Each element has its own transcript. Together they create a single ensemble, revealing a network of rather complicated history of this territory.

Sicily has long been a tasty morsel for neighbors, neighbors and distant ones. Countless times the island tried to conquer or repel from the next owner. All these events left an imprint on the worldview of the population of this region. People in the blood have a desire to protect their land from the whole aggressive world. This meaning is embedded in the central symbol of the cloth. Legs strangely strangely straight from the head, are deciphered in two ways. On the one hand, they symbolize the three extremities of the island. On the other hand, some researchers see in them the rays of the sun. You can agree with each of the formulations.

Flag of Sicily: History

Before moving on, let's take a look at what has been transferred to the inhabitants of this region.

Sicily since ancient times was considered the sunniest and fertile edge of Italy. Here people engaged in agriculture, grew fruit trees, collected a rich harvest. This natural wealth was the cause of constant raids. Neighboring lands could not give birth so generously, people starved, trying to find a more comfortable place where they "feed better".

By the way, nothing has changed since then. Since 1268, this territory was ruled by Charles of Anjou, brother of the French king. This person oppressed the local, arranged bloody showdowns and terrible requisitions. Such a government led to an uprising organized by residents of two big cities. They in 1282 approved the first flag of Sicily, which is the prototype of the present.

The motivation of the insurgents reflected on the cloth

Live constantly under the threat of robbery is very difficult. But that was the proportion of Sicilians. People sought protection from conquerors. It is this idea that is used as the basis for the application on the banner of the Medusa head of the Gorgon. This mythological character was supposed to protect the population, as well as inspire people to fight with numerous enemies.

Three feet and ears added optimism to them. They remind people that their homeland is rich, generous and fertile. The ears are the sign of the granary, and the feet, as already mentioned, point to the tender sun. Together, the symbols create a configuration that shows the enemies that the people love their land and are ready to fight for it. More, as was then believed, they will not tolerate any aggression.

The Legend of Gorgon

Medusa, according to the myth, was a beautiful girl, the only mortal daughter of the sea elder Fork. She was famous for her magnificent hair streaming along the body, like a mountain waterfall. Once she sinned with Poseidon in the temple of Athena, which angered this celibate. The punishment followed immediately. Athena turned the impudent girl into a terrible monster, and her hair - the object of pride - in hissing snakes. In addition, anyone who looked at her eyes, immediately turned into a stone.

Agree, the goddess's revenge turned out to be very cruel and sophisticated. But the inhabitants of Sicily liked the ability of the Gorgon Medusa to influence the enemies. They placed her image on her banner as a symbol of the power of the weapon and the inevitability of retribution. By the way, the myth ended with the death of a terrible diva. She was defeated by Perseus, armed with a mirror shield. A magical head was placed on the auspices of Athens (that is, the chest). It was considered a formidable weapon of retribution.

Conclusion

We studied the flag of Sicily. What does it mean for a modern man? The current citizens do not believe myths, but they honor their ancestors. The symbol depicted on the banner, is designed to remind the inhabitants of the island of the heavy proportion of those who lived on it many centuries ago. A fertile land is both happiness and responsibility at the same time. The current type of flag was approved in 2000. Officially, the woman's head is in no way connected with the mythical diva that turned everyone into stone.

Triskelion transmits to society the idea of the wealth, generosity and hospitality of this autonomous region of Italy. However, somewhere at the subconscious level, any person feels a threat connected with the ancient legend. And the islanders do not argue. They, like their ancestors, want to protect their land from aggression and ruin.