The Mexican flag history is as exiting as Mexican history itself.
Even though the first national flag of Mexico was established in 1821, after wining the war for independence from Spain, many historians consider the Standard of the Virgin of Guadalupe to be the first Mexican Flag.
On the September 16, 1810 father Miguel Hidalgo carried the Standard of the Virgin of Guadalupe and made a speech that invited all the Mexicans to unite, to rebel against the Spanish rule and to gain their independence.
In short he said: My friends and countrymen it is time to fight for our freedom and to be free from tyranny. Our goal is holy and God will protect it. Long live Our Lady of Guadalupe and long live independence!
From that day on the Standard became the most important and recognizable symbol of the rebel army during the Mexican war for independence. This is why many consider the Standard of Virgin of Guadalupe to be the first flag of Mexico.
The first national and official flag of Mexico was chosen by the imperial government in 1821 after wining the war for independence. The flag of the Mexican Empire was a rectangle divided into three vertical stripes of identical measures.
It consisted of three colors: green, white and red and the national coat of arms that is positioned in the center of the flag.
On August 18th 1823 Constitutional Congress designed flag of the Mexican Republic which was around the same time when the first Mexican Republic was established.
The tricolor pattern of green, white and red was reused but of course the crown was removed from the eagles head and certain additions were made such as branch of oak and branches of laurel.
In 1864 the Mexican republic was abolished as well as its flag. On July 16th 1864 the flag of the Second Mexican Empire was designed and established by the Maximilian I of Mexico.
Again the traditional Mexican tricolor pattern was reused but the ration was changed from 4:7 to 1:2, coat of arms was redesigned and four eagles were placed at each corner of the flag. Of course they had crowns above their heads.
On June 19th 1867 the Mexican Republic was reestablished and its flag was readopted.
On September 20th 1916 Antonio Gomez designed first flag of the United Mexican States. More precisely he redesigned the coat of arms by changing the eagle from front-facing to side-facing.
On September 16th 1968 the current national flag of Mexico was adopted and confirmed.
The Mexican Flag Color Represent
The meaning of colors of Mexican flag has been changing over times.
During the first Mexican Empire (1821-1823): Green Independence, White Religion, Red Union. With the birth of Mexican Republic which was in 1823: Green Hope, White Purity, Red Religion. Present Mexico: Green Hope, White Union, Red Blood of the Heroes.
Eagle of the Mexican Flag changed over times as well as the meaning of colors however it survived very turbulent history and still stands proudly and represents a central role in Mexican coat of arms.
The fact that Mexicans are very proud nation and love their flag is best represented by monumental flags that are placed across Mexico in cites that are of great significance to Mexicans. These flags are truly monumental and the biggest one has a pole of 300 feet (100m) of height and it measures around 150 by 80 feet.
Also, the fact that tattoos of the Mexican flag are very popular in Mexico, and among Mexicans living outside of Mexico is another example of how much Mexicans respect and love their flag.
