The smallest independent state in the world made the news this week in the biggest way possible- so if you're a Baptized Catholic male, start trying on oversized hats and prepare to take the coolest car since the Batmobile out for a spin because they might just throw everyone a curveball and pick YOU! Yes, kids- we're keeping it timely this week- sit down, relax and start scanning the horizon for white smoke because this week- it's Vatican City!
The modern flag was adopted for civil usage on June 7th, 1929 but the colors were first adopted in 1808- and that flag was used until 1870 when the Papal State were incorporated into a new unified Italy. (For those of you who aren't European history buffs- not that long ago, historically speaking, the Pope controlled more than just Vatican City- he had large chunks of what is now Italy at his disposal and the further back you go, the more territory and temporal power he had.) After almost a sixty year absence, the Papal States were once again granted independence in 1929- but this time they were limited to Vatican City.
The yellow and the white in the flag represent the color of the keys of St. Peter (gold and silver)- and the keys have been part of the Papal Arms since the Middle Ages- the key emblem on the white strip of the flag having been used since the 13th Century to represent the Vatican's role as the HQ of the Catholic Church.
The keys themselves: well the triple crown at the top represents the three types of temporal power (executive, legislative and judicial- sounds familiar I hope) that's given to the Pope. The crossed keys represent the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven given to St. Peter by Jesus and the red rope ties it all together in one nice symbolic bow.
Ladies and gentlemen- put your hands together (and if you're into that, place your bets on who the next Pope is going to be) and give it up for Vatican City! And until next time, keep your flags flying- FREAK or otherwise!
No comments:
Post a Comment