The American flag is one of the most recognized national flags and for good reason. This iconic flag has become one of, if not the biggest, symbol of the nation. However, while the stars and stripes it bears are incredibly well-known, what exactly do they mean? Let's take a look at the history of the United States flag and the symbolism behind its stars and stripes.
The Stars
The many stars on the American flag, often referred to as the "Star Spangled Banner," carry significant meaning deeply rooted in the nation's history. In the official flag of the United States, there are fifty stars, each one representing a state of the Union. Set against a blue field, sometimes referred to as "Old Glory Blue" in the Pantone Matching System, these stars are arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of five or six stars. The original design, inspired by the Grand Union Flag, included just thirteen stars to represent the original thirteen colonies.
This "new constellation" symbolized the United States' breaking away from British rule and the birth of a new nation during the Revolutionary War. Over the years, with the addition of new states to the United States of America, new stars were added to the flag. The current flag design came into effect on July 4, 1960, following an executive order by President Dwight Eisenhower the year prior to establishing the arrangement and number of stars. The American flag, which flies from flag poles across the country, serves as a potent symbol for American citizens — embodying the unity and growth of the nation.
The Stripes
The thirteen equal horizontal stripes on the United States flag also represent the original thirteen colonies that rebelled against British rule and became the first states of the Union. Seven red stripes and six white stripes alternate on the flag, with the same colors used in the Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom. The red stripes symbolize valor and hardiness, evoking the bloodshed during the Revolutionary War, while the white stripes represent purity and innocence, signifying the pure intentions of the United States in its pursuit of liberty and justice. This flag design, attributed to Betsy Ross, was officially adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777, now celebrated as Flag Day.
However, the reason why the United States flag has stripes extends beyond just symbolism. Many countries, including Italy, Sweden, and many more, also have stripes on their flags. Part of the reason why stripes became so commonplace on flags was because it was an effective way of portraying colors that were important to the country, such as their coat of arms. The flag of the Netherlands was one of the first to do so, and the style caught on and spread. In addition, stitching together fabric to make stripes is easier than making more complex and intricate designs, meaning there can be a practical benefit as well.
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