Haiti is arguably one of the most influential countries in world history.
This is evident in its rich cultural history, especially regarding the Haitian flag.
The national flag is significant in Haitian culture and has remained that way for several centuries.
The symbolic colors of the flag are instantly recognizable with their distinctive red and blue shades, gracefully catching the eyes and telling their own unique stories in the process.
Many Haitians proudly showcase the symbols and colors of their national emblem.
Some are so patriotic that they even choose to adorn their bodies with tattoos depicting the Haitian coat of arms.
The Haitian flag is a powerful reminder of a resilient people’s enduring fight for universal freedom.
Despite this national treasure’s significant meaning, many are still unaware of its true origins.
To understand just how deeply embedded in the Haitian culture the flag is, here are some interesting facts about its lasting legacy.
When is Haitian Flag Day 2024?
Haitian Flag Day is celebrated on May 18th every single year. This year, Haitian Flag Day will be celebrated on Saturday, May 18, 2024. – Haitian Flag Day Events
The history behind the Haitian Flag
This is because the woman, who made the first Haitian flag, Catherine Flon, first sewed it on May 18th, 1803.
Flon sewed it in a city known as Arcahaie.
She also happened to be the goddaughter of Haitian revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines.
The holiday is celebrated with cultural festivities, including live music and lots of delicious food.
It’s important to note that Haitian Flag Day differs from Haitian Independence Day.
Haiti declared its independence from France on January 1, 1804.
Haitians celebrate the anniversary on January 1, or New Year’s Day.
What do the colors of the Haitian flag represent?
Back in 1964, when Francois Duvalier (Papa Doc) was president, the flag’s colors were changed to black and red, contrary to the traditional blue and red design that we see today.
In 1986, Jean-Claude Duvalier (Baby Doc) was overthrown from the presidency and promptly went into exile.
It was after this time that the original blue and red colors were restored to the flag.
The change to its traditional colors also coincides with Haiti’s newly formed 1987 Constitution.
Black and Red Haitian Flag Meaning
According to some experts, when Jean-Jacques Dessalines became the first revolutionary emperor in 1804, he also had the colors changed to black and red.
The meaning of the black color was used to symbolize death & the red color to symbolize freedom. Apparently, the colors never quite caught on.
Why was white taken out?
Many historians are pretty adamant that the flag used to feature a horizontal white stripe running across the center of it and was subsequently removed by former slaves.
It’s believed that the combination of blue and red was meant to symbolize the unity between native African and Mulatto classes of Haitians.
However, others contend that the colors featured on the national flag are rooted in religious undertones.
Haiti & Liechtenstein had the same flag design.
At the 1936 Summer Olympics, something extraordinary happened.
Two countries, worlds apart in terms of culture and history, were sporting the same flag.
The rare occurrence struck a chord with Liechtenstein, prompting the country to add a gold crown to its national flag’s top left corner.
Haiti also made some noticeable changes to its fla by adding a Haitian coat of arms and the famed “L’union Fait La Force” motto.