Cuba is a state on the island of the same name in the Caribbean. A lot of ups and downs fell on his lot: colonization, revolts and revolutions. During the last revolution, it became a socialist republic and is now one of the few such states whose heraldry does not have communist symbols. What is depicted on the Cuban flag and coat of arms? Let's find out.
Description and photo of the Cuban flag
The design of the flag of the republic was invented by the freedom fighter of Cuba, Narciso Lopez, and sung by Miguel Tolon. The first sample was sewn by Tolon's wife Emilia. It was designed back in 1849, but officially it was accepted only in 1902.
The modern Cuban flag is divided into five horizontal stripes of the same size. Above, below and in the center there are blue stripes, between them are two white ones. At the pole there is an equilateral red triangle, in the center of which is a white five-pointed star.
Three blue stripes symbolize the three areas into which the cube was divided at that time. White stripes are a sign of the purity of the ideals and thoughts of the local people. The color of the triangle symbolizes the blood that the inhabitants of the state shed for their freedom. Each of its sides corresponds to the words from the motto of the French Revolution: "Equality, freedom, fraternity." The whole gamut of the Cuban flag also echoes the revolutionary banner of France. Star means the unification of the people.
White and blue stripes can also be seen on the national emblem of the republic and the presidential standard.
Flag history
The Cuban flag is not just a hallmark of the country. It was created as a symbol under which people will fight for their land and their freedom. Narciso Lopez, who invented it, tried to rebel against the Spanish colonists in 1850. This idea was supported by the United States, and as a sign of solidarity, several newspapers hung blue-white-red banners over their offices.
There is a story related to the creation of the Cuban flag. It is believed that the idea of his composition Narciso Lopez saw in the dawn sky when he was in exile in New York. Against a general blue background, he saw clouds reddish from the early sun through which a bright Venus peered. Lopez told Tolon about this, and together they decided to create such a flag for the rebel movement in Cuba.
The flag was raised for the first time in 1850, but the Lopez uprising failed. The country was freed from the Spaniards only in 1898. The Republic of Cuba was proclaimed in 1902 by raising the flag of Tolon and Lopez over the Havana fortress of El Moro.
Coat of arms of Cuba
The Cuban coat of arms was also designed by Miguel Tolon. He was accepted only a few years after the flag, in 1906. It is made on a triangular shield and crowned with a red Phrygian cap. From two sides it is framed by branches of oak and laurel with red fruits on them.
The composition of the coat of arms is divided into three fields. At the top in a horizontal strip is the sunrise over the sea. In the water on the right and left are two banks, between which is a golden key.
The lower part of the coat of arms is divided into two areas vertically, forming two triangles. On the left (from the side of the viewer) the triangle is filled with five diagonal stripes of white and blue color, the same as on the flag of Cuba. On the right are mountains and a palm tree on them.
Coat of arms
All the symbols of the Cuban coat of arms are aimed at showing the importance of Cuba in the world, the unity of its people, its strength and the irresistible desire for freedom. We proclaim the themes of freedom and independence, first of all, the Phrygian cap with a white star. In antiquity, it was the traditional headdress of the Phrygians, and acquired particular revolutionary significance during the political transformations of France in the 18th century. Perhaps it is he who is depicted as a red triangle on the Cuban flag.
The palm tree and mountains on the right side of the coat of arms depict a typical landscape of the country. Above the picture is more symbolic. The golden key between the two banks is the key, central position of Cuba between the Florida Peninsula and the Yucatan.
The rising sun symbolizes the rise or ascent of the new republic. The branches of the oak to the left of the shield mean the strength and firmness of the nation, the branches of the laurel - a symbol of its honor and greatness.