The national flag of Mexico consist of three vertical strips: green, white and red. Unfortunately, there is no official symbolism of colors. In the middle of the white strip, there is the national emblem which represents the eagle devouring the serpent and sitting on the opuntia, which is located on the islet situated on Lake Texcoco.
According to the legend, the Aztec god named Huitzilopochtli ordered the Aztecs to find the eagle on the opuntia and found their city there. Thus, the Mexica people (commonly known as the Aztecs) set off from the mythical land called Aztlán and began their search for the sign. Finally, around 1323, they arrived to the Anahuác Valley, where they saw the eagle sitting on the opuntia. That's where they founded their capital city, Tenochtitlan, the present Mexico City!
Until today, there are Aztec ruins in the heart of this enormous city. There is also a monument built six centuries later, which comemorates this legendary place, where the eagle devouring the serpent was found!
I have found some information about the symbolism of the Mexican flag and its colours HERE. The story of the eagle is really strange, don't you think? :)
ReplyDeleteThe symbolism which is described on this page changed in the 19th century because of the secularization of the country. The Article in the Constitution of Mexico refering to the National Emblem, Flag, and Anthem doesn't provide any official explanation of symbolism of colors, which is why it may have different meanings. With regard to the story of the eagle, for me, it's really magnificent- I'm fascinated with the Prehispanic myths! :)
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