The history of the Mexican Flag/Bandera de México is said to date back to the 1300’s when a Mexican tribe wandered about looking for a place to settle.
Bandera de México
Mexican Flag History
The Mexican Flag/Bandera de México was adopted on September 16, 1968. Although the history dates all the way back to the early 1300’s when the Mexica tribe (who later on became a part of the Aztec Empire) were cast away from different nations and wandered looking for a new place to settle. They believed their deity God, Huitzilopochtli, would give them a sign of where to settle when they came upon an Eagle perched on a prickly cactus.
According to legend, the Mexica tribe did see the sign of the eagle perched on a prickly cactus, it was seen on a truly unlikely area they could settle. The eagle was seen on a small swampy island in the middle of Lake Texcoco.
The Mexica tribe were determined to settle here and soon created the chinampas system to help dry out the land and soon were able to create causeways. These causeways would allow access to their city and in 1325 the city of Tenochtitlan was born.
The Mexican Flag/Bandera de México has 3 vertical colors, green white and red. The green represented Independence, the white represented religion and the red represented the Spanairds and the quest for independence and the blood of heroes.
Mexican Flag Meaning
Although originally the colors of the flag represented a specific meaning, today these colors represent different things. The green represents hope, the white represents unity and the red represents the blood of hereos.
In the white strip or middle of the flag seats the Eagle or the Coat of Arms. The Eagle seats on a prickly pear cactus plant with a snake in its mouth and situated on the lake. Underneath the Eagle lies a garland. On the right of the garland is a laurel branch and represents victory. On the left the garland is green oak and represents strength.
Mexican Flag vs the Italian Flag
Although the Mexican Flag and the Italian Flag are extremely similar, they do have some differences. One the Mexican Flag is older than the Italian flag. It dates back to Mexico’s War of Independence against Spain in 1810.
Although both flags have the green, white and red tricolors, the Mexican Flags color of green and red are darker. The Mexican Flag also of course has the coat of arms in the center.
The aspect ratios are also different. The Italian is 3:2 in width while the Mexican Flag is 7:4.
Flag for Sale
Looking to buy a Mexican Flag/Bandera de México, check out these links:
Flag Coloring Page
If you’re interested in maybe downloading a Mexican Flag/Bandera de México coloring page for your children, please click on this link:
Would like more Mexican history? → Olmec Heads