Eleftheria i thanatos
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Eleftheria i Thanatos
)Eleftheria i thanatos (Greek: Ελευθερία ή θάνατος, IPA: [elefθeˈri.a i ˈθanatos]; 'Freedom or Death') is the motto of Greece.[1][2] It originated in the Greek songs of resistance that were powerful motivating factors for independence. It was adopted in 1814 by the Filiki Eteria, a secret organization formed specifically for the overthrow of Ottoman rule.
Overview
The motto arose during the
Greek flag is that they represent the nine syllables of the motto, five blue stripes for the syllables Eleftheria and four white stripes for i thanatos.[4][5]
The motto symbolized and still symbolizes the resolve of the people of Greece against tyranny and oppression.
Part of the emblem of the
Greek Army.[8]
Cultural references
Nikos Kazantzakis' novel Captain Michalis was subtitled Freedom or Death, which became its title in the United States, Germany, France, and other countries.
See also
- Give me liberty, or give me death!
- God Save the South, whose lyrics contain the battle cry "Freedom or death!"
- Greek War of Independence
- Hymn to Liberty
- Liberté, égalité, fraternité
- Live free or die
- Thanatos
References
- ^ Pedersen, Christian Fogd (1971). The International Flag Book in Color. Morrow. p. 166.
- ISBN 0-8317-1605-3.
- ^ "Greek Independence Day". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2009-09-09.
The Greek revolt was precipitated on March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese. The cry "Freedom or Death" became the motto of the revolution. The Greeks experienced early successes on the battlefield, including the capture of Athens in June 1822, but infighting ensued.
- ISBN 1-85043-824-2.
- ISBN 0-7613-1753-8.
- ^ Greek Army website
- ^ FHW-Membership card of the Philiki Etaireia
- ^ Greek Army website