Greece

Last modified: 1997-09-03 by alessio bragadini
Keywords: greece | hellas | europe | eec | cross |
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by mark sensen

• The plain Cross flag
• The Law on National flag
• Prefecture of Thessaloniki, or "Greek Macedonia"
• Macedonian pages for other information on Greek-Macedonian flag quarrel

• An explanation of Greek flag
• CIA World Factbook on Greece

For much of its modern history, Greece has had two national flags. The striped one has been in use since 1822, and was approved in 1833 - the nine stripes are said to stand for the nine syllables of the Greek patriots' motto "Eleutheria a thanatos" meaning "Freedom or Death".

The simple white-cross-on-blue flag dates from 1832, and was used as an alternative national flag, but only inland, not at sea (although the Jack was very similar). Only the striped flag was used at sea.

From June 1975 until December 1978 the plain cross flag was used as the only national flag. The situation is now reversed, and the striped flag is now the only official national flag, although the cross flag can still be seen in unofficial use.
paul adams 19-JUN-1995

The plain Cross flag is the kingdom's coat of arms (with a cross couped, not throughout)
anton dasher 20-JUN-1995

The plain cross flag is cited as naval jack the Brockhaus Enzyklopaedie, dated 1968.
pascal vagnat 02-MAY-1996