Flag of Ireland
tricolour of green, white and orange. |
The
The proportions of the flag are 1:2 (that is to say, flown horizontally, the flag is half as high as it is wide).Presented as a gift in 1848 to
It was not until the
Design and symbolism
Concerning the national flag of Ireland, the Constitution of Ireland simply states in Article 7:
The national flag is the tricolour of green, white and orange.[7]
As there are no further statutory requirements in relation to the flag, the
Scheme Green White Orange Sources Pantone 347 U Safe 151 U [8][10] Hex triplet#169B62 #FFFFFF #FF883E [11][12] RGB 22–155–98 255–255–255 255–136–62 [11][12] CMYK 71–0–72–0 0–0–0–0 0–43–91–0 [11][12]
The flag should normally be displayed on a flagstaff, with the green pale positioned next to the flagstaff, at the
Symbolism
The green pale of the flag symbolises Roman Catholics, the orange represents the minority Protestants who were supporters of William of Orange. His title came from the Principality of Orange but his power from his leadership as Stadtholder of the Netherlands, a Protestant bastion from the 16th century. The white in the centre signifies a lasting peace and hope for union between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland.[8] The flag, as a whole, is intended to symbolise the inclusion and hoped-for union of the people of different traditions on the island of Ireland, which is expressed in the Constitution as the entitlement of every person born in Ireland to be part of the independent Irish nation, regardless of ethnic origin, religion or political conviction.[8][13] (Green was also used as the colour of such Irish bodies as the mainly-Protestant and nonsectarian Friendly Brothers of St. Patrick, established in 1751.)
Occasionally, differing shades of yellow, instead of orange, are seen at civilian functions. However the Department of the Taoiseach stated that is a misrepresentation that "should be actively discouraged"[8] and that worn-out flags should be replaced.[14] In songs and poems, the colours are sometimes enumerated as "green, white and gold" by using poetic licence.[15][16] Variants of different guises are utilised to include, for example, various emblems of Ireland, such as the presidential harp, the four provinces or county arms.[17][18]
History
A green flag featuring a harp is described as being used by
The colour green became associated with Ireland from the 1640s, when the green harp flag was used by the Irish
The oldest known reference to the use of the three colours of green, white and orange as a nationalist emblem dates from September 1830 when tricolour
Although the tricolour was not forgotten as a symbol of the ideal of union and a banner associated with the Young Irelanders and revolution, it was rarely used between 1848 and 1916. Even up to the eve of the
Associated with separatism in the past, flown during the Easter Rising of 1916 and capturing the national imagination as the banner of the new revolutionary Ireland,[27] the tricolour came to be acclaimed throughout the country as somewhat of a national flag. To many Irish people, though, it was considered to be a "Sinn Féin flag".[28]
In the
The government in Ireland have taken over the so called Free State Flag in order to forestall its use by republican element and avoid legislative regulation, to leave them free to adopt a more suitable emblem later.[30]
In 1937, the tricolour's position as the national flag was formally confirmed by the new Constitution of Ireland.[1]
Marine
The pre-independence
Irish-register ships could fly the Red Ensign until September 1939, after the outbreak of World War II, when a decree under the state of emergency was made, to ensure neutral Irish ships were not mistaken for British ships.[31] Some ships flying the tricolour were nevertheless sunk by Germans.[36] When the tricolour was hoisted over the passenger ferries in Holyhead their British crews went on strike. Five days later their owners transferred the ferries to the British register and the Red Ensign was restored.[37] On the other hand, the Belfast to Liverpool ferry, British owned and British crewed, used the tricolour as a flag of convenience;[38] so did the whalers of Christian Salvesen Shipping, to take advantage of the Irish whale quota.[39]
The tricolour's marine status was formalised by the Merchant Shipping Act 1947.[31][40]
Use in Northern Ireland
In 1921, Ireland was
Despite its original symbolism, in Northern Ireland the tricolour, along with most other markers of either British or Irish identity, has come to be a symbol of division.
Under the 1998 Good Friday or Belfast Agreement, it was recognised that flags continue to be a source of disagreement in Northern Ireland. The Agreement stated that:
All participants acknowledge the sensitivity of the use of symbols and emblems for public purposes, and the need in particular in creating the new institutions to ensure that such symbols and emblems are used in a manner which promotes mutual respect rather than division.[51]
Unionists argue that the recognition of the principle of consent in the Agreement – that Northern Ireland's constitutional status cannot change without a majority favouring it – by the signatories amounts to recognising that the Union Flag is the only legitimate official flag in Northern Ireland.
Some institutions in Great Britain, such as the BBC, have previously and mistakenly used the tricolour to represent Northern Ireland.[58][59]
Protocol
The Department of the Taoiseach has issued guidelines to assist persons in giving due respect to the national flag. Observance of the guidelines is a matter for each individual as there are no statutory requirements. It is expected, however, that the national flag will be treated at all times with appropriate respect by those who use it. The department has general responsibility in relation to the national flag and this is primarily concerned with the protocol for the flying of the flag. The Department's role, therefore, is an advisory one.[60]
With respect to the display, placing and precedence of the national flag by both itself and in relation to other flags, the department has made a number of suggestions. No flag or pennant should be flown above the national flag. When the flag is carried with another flag, or flags, it should be carried in the place of honour – that is on the marching right, or on the left of an observer towards whom the flags are approaching. Where one of these flags is that of the
When the group of flags of the European Union are flown, the sequence is alphabetical, based on the first letter of the country's name. The flags should be flown from left to right with the European Union flag flown from the first flagstaff before the group. An alternative order of flags is to begin on the left with the national flag and place the European Union flag on the far right of the group, as seen by an observer.[61] With regard to international flags; where either an even or an odd number of flags are flown in line on staffs of equal height, the national flag should be first on the right of the line – that is on the observer's left as he or she faces the flags. Where one of these flags is that of the European Union, the European Union flag should be flown on the immediate left of the national flag, or as seen by an observer, on the immediate right of the national flag. Where, however, an odd number of flags are displayed from staffs grouped so that there is one staff in the centre and higher than the others, the national flag should be displayed from the staff so placed. Where one of these flags is that of the European Union, the European Union flag should be flown from the first flagstaff on the right, or as seen by an observer, on the first flagstaff on the left. Only one national flag should be displayed in each group of flags or at each location. In all cases, the national flag should be in the place of honour. When the national flag is displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall or other background, the green should be on the right (an observer's left) in the horizontal position or uppermost in the vertical position. When displayed on a platform, the national flag should be above and behind the speaker's desk. While being carried, the flag should not be dipped by way of salute or compliment except to the dead during memorial ceremonies.[61]
In raising or lowering, the national flag should not be allowed to touch the ground. When being hoisted to half-mast, the flag should first be brought to the peak of the staff and then lowered to the half-mast position.[62] It should again be brought to the peak of the staff before it is finally lowered.[63] On ceremonial occasions when the national flag is being hoisted or lowered, or when it is passing by in a parade, all present should face it, stand to attention and salute. Persons in uniform who normally salute with the hand should give the hand salute. Persons in civilian attire should salute by standing to attention. The salute to the flag when it is being borne past in a parade is rendered when the flag is six paces away and the salute is held until the flag has passed by. Where more than one national flag is carried, the salute should be given only to the leading flag.[64] When the national anthem is played in the presence of the national flag, all present should face the national flag, stand to attention and salute it, remaining at the salute until the last note of the music.[64]
When the national flag has become worn or frayed it is no longer fit for display, and should not be used in any manner implying disrespect.[65] The national flag, when used as a decoration, should always be treated with due respect. It may be used as a discreet lapel button or rosette or as part of a centrepiece for a table. When used in the latter context with the flags of other nations, the national flag should also be displayed in the place of honour on a nearby flag staff. Where multiple national flags are flown on festive occasions these should be of uniform dimensions. Bunting of the national colours may also be used on festive occasions.[66]
The national flag should be displayed in the open only between sunrise and sunset, except on the occasion of public meetings, processions, or funerals, when it may be displayed for the duration of such functions.[66][67] When displayed on a platform, the national flag should not be used to cover the speaker's desk, nor should it be draped over the platform. The national flag should never be defaced by placing slogans, logos, lettering or pictures of any kind on it, for example at sporting events. The flag should not be draped on cars, trains, boats or other modes of transport; it should not be carried flat, but should always be carried aloft and free, except when used to drape a coffin; on such an occasion, the green should be at the head of the coffin. The tricolour is draped across the coffins of Presidents of Ireland (including former presidents), soldiers and Garda Síochána personnel killed in the line of duty, and other notables accorded state funerals, such as Roger Casement in 1965, or Kevin Barry in 2001. Care should be taken at all times to ensure that the national flag does not touch the ground, trail in water or become entangled in trees or other obstacles.[68] It is the normal practice to fly the national flag daily at all military posts and from a limited number of important State buildings. The
Similar flags
The
See also
- Coat of arms of Ireland
- Cross-border flag for Ireland
- List of flags of Ireland
- Flag of Northern Ireland
References
- ^ a b c d e "The National Flag". gov.ie. Department of the Taoiseach. 1 November 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- ^ "Constitution of Ireland – Article 7". Irish Statute Book. Government of Ireland. 1937. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
The national flag is the tricolour of green, white and orange
- ^ Sean Duffy, The Concise History of Ireland, 2005
- ^ "West Cork man raised Tricolour on historic day". Irish Examiner. 4 April 2016. Archived from the original on 19 August 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
- ^ Symbols in Northern Ireland – Flags Used in the Region CAIN Web Service. Retrieved 8 November 2011
- University of Ulster. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ Article 7 of the Constitution of Ireland (1 July 1937).
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Department of the Taoiseach - The National Flag - Guidelines" (PDF). assets.gov.ie. 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 February 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- ^ "An Bhratach Náisiúnta" (PDF). Ireland. 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 June 2007.
- ^ "Colour of the Flag – Ireland". flagspot.net. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ a b c PANTONE. "PANTONE 347 U – Find a Pantone Color | Quick Online Color Tool". www.pantone.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2022. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ a b c PANTONE. "PANTONE 151 U – Find a Pantone Color | Quick Online Color Tool". www.pantone.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2022. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ Subject to the Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland, 2004.
- ^ The national Flag Department of the Taoiseach
- ^ See, for example, Long Journey Home Archived 2 September 2006 at the Wayback Machine by Elvis Costello and Paddy Moloney.
- ^ See, for example, the lyrics and commentary on the following Irish rebel songs: Green White and Gold Archived 14 April 2005 at the Wayback Machine; The Dying Rebel.
- ^ "County Coat of Arms Irish Flag". Abitoblarney.com. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
- ^ "Photographic image" (PNG). S1.thejournal.ie. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
- ^ a b Andries Burgers (21 May 2006). "Ireland: Green Flag". Flags of the World.
Citing G. A. Hayes-McCoy, A History of Irish Flags from earliest times (1979)
- ^ Cronin & Adair (2002)
- ^ [Kelly, James. That Damn'd Thing Called Honour: Duelling in Ireland, 1570–1860. Cork University Press, 1995. p.65]
- ^ "How Green Became Associated With St. Patrick's Day and All Things Irish". Time. 16 March 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
The color green cropped up again during an effort in the 1790s to bring nonsectarian, republican ideas to Ireland, inspired by the American revolution and the French revolution
- JSTOR 20496123.
As early as 1803 many of those who attended the execution of Robert Emmet are described as wearing green favours to display their sympath with the young patriot, and it would seem that the Uniter Irishmen first promoted the colour
- ^ "So you know Ireland's national colour might not be green, right?". TheJournal. 17 March 2013. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
The most prominent use of green emerged during the wave of Irish nationalism and republican feeling in the 19th century, when the colour was adopted as a more striking way of separating Ireland from the various reds or blues that were now associated with England, Scotland and Wales
- ^ a b c d e Ireland, Flags of the World, 2001. Retrieved 11 June 2007.
- ^ Tricolour Flag of Ireland, Your Irish Culture, 2007. Retrieved 11 June 2007.Archived 2008
- General Post Office; that flag was a green flag featuring in gold a harp and the words "Irish Republic".
- ISBN 978-0-906187-01-2.
- ISBN 1-874045-83-6. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
- ^ Public Record Office document DO 117/100, written in 1928.
- ^ a b c Merchant Shipping Bill, 1947—Second Stage. Archived 5 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine (20 November 1947) Dáil debates Vol.108 No.15 p.23
- ISBN 1-902602-42-0.
- ^ a b Dáil debates Vol. 33 No. 17 p.7 cc.2290–95 Archived 23 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine 20 March 1930
- ^ Dáil debates Vol. 53 No. 7 p.4 Archived 23 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine 21 June 1934
- ISBN 978-1-85635-685-5.
- ^ Dáil debates Vol.81 No.14 p.23 20 February 1941
- ISBN 1-902602-42-0.
- ISBN 978-0-7524-4235-8.
- ISBN 0-71710-916-X.
- ^ Sections 2 and 14, Merchant Shipping Act, 1947 Irish Statute Book
- ^ FitzGerald, Garret. Ireland, Partition of, Encarta, 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2007. Archived 9 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine 31 October 2009.
- ^ a b c Flags Used in Northern Ireland, Conflict Archive on the Internet, 1 April 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ Flags and Emblems (Display) Act (Northern Ireland) 1954, Conflict Archive on the Internet, 1 April 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ISBN 0-900068-10-8.
- ^ "Eleventh Night: Tricolours, SF posters, Celtic and Palestine flags burned". irishtimes.com. Irish Times. 12 July 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
- ^ Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), Flags of the World, 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ Ewart, Shirley & Schubotz, Dirk (2004). Voices behind the Statistics: Young People’s Views of Sectarianism in Northern Ireland, National Children's Bureau, p. 7.
- ^ "Loyalist paramilitary flags explosion", BBC News, 21 June 2000. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ Brown, Kris. & MacGinty, Roger (2003). "Public Attitudes toward Partisan and Neutral Symbols in Post-Agreement Northern Ireland", Identities: Global Studies in Power and Culture. Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 83–108.
- Queen's University, Belfast. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ The Belfast Agreement 1998, Conflict Archive on the Internet. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ Wilson, Robin (July 2000). Flagging concern: The Controversy over Flags and Emblems, Democratic Dialogue. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ Northern Ireland Assembly Official Report of Tuesday 6 June 2000 Archived 6 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Northern Ireland Assembly, 6 June 2000. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ Report on Draft Regulations proposed under Article 3 of the Flags (Northern Ireland) Order 2000 Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Northern Ireland Assembly, 17 October 2000. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ Alex Maskey Motion 39 – flags and emblems Archived 19 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine, SinnFein.ie, 17 February 2006. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ "Tricolour raised in City Hall", BBC News, 4 September 2002. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ Should Belfast have its own flag?, BBC News Talking Point, 5 September 2002. Retrieved 14 June 2007.
- ^ "Irish tricolour makes surprise appearance at Queen's Jubilee concert". 5 June 2022.
- ^ "'Disgraceful!' - Irish flag mix-up causes outrage as BBC issue apology - Extra.ie". 4 September 2020.
- ^ The National Flag: Guidelines for use of the National Flag, Department of the Taoiseach.
- ^ a b c The National Flag: Display, placing and precedence, Department of the Taoiseach.
- ^ A flag is at half-mast in any position below the top of the staff but never below the middle point of the staff. As a general guide, the half-mast position may be taken as that where the top of the flag is the depth of the flag below the top of the staff.
- ^ The National Flag: Hoisting and lowering the Flag, Department of the Taoiseach.
- ^ a b The National Flag: Saluting the Flag, Department of the Taoiseach.
- ^ The National Flag: Worn-out Flag, Department of the Taoiseach.
- ^ a b The National Flag: Respect for the National Flag, Department of the Taoiseach.
- ^ For military purposes, sunrise occurs at 8:00 a.m. between March and October, and at 8:30 a.m. between November and February. Sunset is deemed to occur at: 3:30 p.m. in January and December; 4:30 p.m. in February and November; 5:30 p.m. in March and October; 6:00 p.m. in April; 7:00 p.m. in May and September; and 8:00 p.m. between June and August.
- ^ The National Flag: Practices to avoid, Department of the Taoiseach.
- ^ The National Flag: Occasions on which the National Flag is flown, Department of the Taoiseach.
- ^ "Quick-thinking Irish fans come to the rescue of victorious Ivory Coast star at World Indoor Athletics Championships". Irish Independent. 5 March 2018. Retrieved 6 March 2018.
- ^ "What have the Ivory Coast ever done to deserve this?". JOE.ie. 12 July 2013.
- ^ "Loyalists ask us to respect their flag as they burn everyone else's?". IrishCentral.com. 12 July 2013.
- ^ McLysaght, Emer. "Belfast shop insists it's displaying Ivory Coast flag, NOT Ireland flag". The Daily Edge.
- ^ "This Dublin pub was caught rapid flying the Ivory Coast flag". www.dailyedge.ie. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
External links
- Quotations related to Flag of Ireland at Wikiquote
- Media related to National flag of Ireland at Wikimedia Commons
- Ireland at Flags of the World
- The National Flag - Irish government paper containing history and usage guidelines (archived)