The rich history, and the many current-day variations of the Puerto Rican flag
If you've ever thought that we here in the United States are somewhat flag-crazy, think again. You've seen political rallies, speeches and debates by politicians and candidates, standing at a podium with up to sixteen (that's as many as I've counted to date) large American flags standing proudly behind the speaker. Although you might think just one would be enough, multiple flags are the current trend. However, every single one of the flags looks the same! There is just one version.
Although the variety of Puerto Rican flags dates back centuries, beginning with Christopher Columbus laying claim to the island in 1492, there have probably been more iterations of flags on Puerto Rican soil than you would imagine. There was the flag of Spain, as well as other approved Spanish versions in green and burgundy, mainly indicating military might and installations.
In a brief and unsuccessful revolutionary movement, in 1868, to free Puerto Rico from Spanish rule, a revolutionary-minded woman knitted yet another new design for the Puerto Rican flag, sporting a yellow star on the upper left portion.
The last Spanish flag to fly on Puerto Rico was issued in 1873. Following the Spanish American war, in 1898, Puerto Rico became a U.S. possession.
The U.S. decided to end this excess flaggery, deeming it a felony to display anything but the United States flag. However, when Puerto Ricans elected their first governor in 1948, this Puerto Rican governor successfully installed the current, official Puerto Rican flag, in 1952, flown to this day with a few variations.
This flag consists of five alternating bands of red and white. At the left side, is a blue triangle with a five-pointed, white star inside the triangle. Unlike most flags, the shade of blue used is not consistent amongst flag manufacturers. Among citizens flying the Puerto Rican flag, you may observe one with a pale blue triangle, while others use a dark blue shade, similar to the blue on the American flag. These are not mistakes by the flag makers. The home flying the flag with the pale blue shade indicates that the occupants support an independent Puerto Rico. Those who desire statehood have flags with the dark blue triangle. Essentially, the citizens are making a sort of veiled political statement, not commonly found in any other country.
Nonetheless, there are several other Puerto Rican flags, used during political rallies and such as a show of unity and numbers of adherents.
As if a dozen versions weren't enough, every municipality in Puerto Rico has their own flag as well. These municipalities are akin to towns, so you can imagine the confusion to visitors at a Puerto Rican parade!
In addition, you may see the Taino tribal national Puerto Rican flag, representing the original native inhabitants in the pre-Columbian regions of the island.
If you've ever thought that we here in the United States are somewhat flag-crazy, think again. You've seen political rallies, speeches and debates by politicians and candidates, standing at a podium with up to sixteen (that's as many as I've counted to date) large American flags standing proudly behind the speaker. Although you might think just one would be enough, multiple flags are the current trend. However, every single one of the flags looks the same! There is just one version.
Although the variety of Puerto Rican flags dates back centuries, beginning with Christopher Columbus laying claim to the island in 1492, there have probably been more iterations of flags on Puerto Rican soil than you would imagine. There was the flag of Spain, as well as other approved Spanish versions in green and burgundy, mainly indicating military might and installations.
In a brief and unsuccessful revolutionary movement, in 1868, to free Puerto Rico from Spanish rule, a revolutionary-minded woman knitted yet another new design for the Puerto Rican flag, sporting a yellow star on the upper left portion.
The last Spanish flag to fly on Puerto Rico was issued in 1873. Following the Spanish American war, in 1898, Puerto Rico became a U.S. possession.
The U.S. decided to end this excess flaggery, deeming it a felony to display anything but the United States flag. However, when Puerto Ricans elected their first governor in 1948, this Puerto Rican governor successfully installed the current, official Puerto Rican flag, in 1952, flown to this day with a few variations.
This flag consists of five alternating bands of red and white. At the left side, is a blue triangle with a five-pointed, white star inside the triangle. Unlike most flags, the shade of blue used is not consistent amongst flag manufacturers. Among citizens flying the Puerto Rican flag, you may observe one with a pale blue triangle, while others use a dark blue shade, similar to the blue on the American flag. These are not mistakes by the flag makers. The home flying the flag with the pale blue shade indicates that the occupants support an independent Puerto Rico. Those who desire statehood have flags with the dark blue triangle. Essentially, the citizens are making a sort of veiled political statement, not commonly found in any other country.
Nonetheless, there are several other Puerto Rican flags, used during political rallies and such as a show of unity and numbers of adherents.
As if a dozen versions weren't enough, every municipality in Puerto Rico has their own flag as well. These municipalities are akin to towns, so you can imagine the confusion to visitors at a Puerto Rican parade!
In addition, you may see the Taino tribal national Puerto Rican flag, representing the original native inhabitants in the pre-Columbian regions of the island.
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