Greece: Struggle for independence on the islands (1821-1829)

Last modified: 2005-06-17 by ivan sache
Keywords: samos | spetsai | hydra | psara |
Links: FOTW homepage | search | disclaimer and copyright | write us | mirrors

• Spetsai
• Samos
• Hydra
• Psara

See also:

• Greece
• Greece: Historical outline
• Greece: Evolution of the national flag. I - 1822-1828
• Greece: Struggle for independence (1821-1829)
• Greece; Anti-Ottoman struggle in Crete

Spetsai

Spetsai is an island located off the eastern coast of Peloponnesus.

The flag has a white border, inside of which is a red border, around a white field; in the main field are placed a red crescent, a cross, and a spear; an upside-down red anchor around which a green snake is wrapped like a Caduceus; in the upper left corner, a blue-outlined gold bird.

The revolutionary motto:

ELEFTHERIA H THANATOS (freedom or death)

the main motto of this war and the current national motto of Greece, is horizontally written, in red

The symbolism of the flag is:

• Cross = Christianity (Greece)
• Crescent = Islam (Turkey)
• Snake = Wisdom, knowledge, reason
• Anchor = Stability
• Spear = Power
• Bird = Help from God

The combination probably represents the resurrection of the Greek nation: the cross overpowers the crescent moon. To bringabout a successful fight however power (the spear) was required, as well as stability and perseverance (anchor), knowledge and wisdom (snake), and God's help through faith and religion (bird).

Sources: Hellenic flags. Insignia-Emblems [kok97] and Naval Museum of Hania (Crete)