This Week In Vexillology #35

This Week In Vexillology, we're heading down to Central America for the first time and we're kicking things off with Nicaragua!  Sadly, most Americans probably remember Nicaragua more for the Reagan Administration funding the Contras fighting against the Sandanistas than anything else (oh and there was a horrific earthquake back in '72--  baseball star Roberto Clemente was on his way down there to deliver relief supplies when his plane crashed.)

But it's not all bad news from Nicaragua--  when this flag was adopted they were harboring aspirations to revive the Federal Republic of Central America (also known as the United Provinces of Central America which lasted from 1823-1838) these aspirations are reflected in the symbolism on their flag. (It's also reputedly a beautiful country as well- I've never been, but I'd sure like to go someday.)

This flag was adopted September 4th, 1908 for national and civil usage- and apart from the text around the arms of Nicaragua in the center of the flag, it's identical to the flag of the United Provinces of Central America.  The triangle in the center contains five volcanoes (at the bottom of the triangle) which represent the five original member states of the United Provinces.  The Cap of Liberty (and I know it looks like a red blotch more than anything else and I'm sorry for that) represents the national freedom and the rays of the sun and the rainbow above it are symbolic of the bright future.   The 'America Central' in the text around the arms in the center recalls the United Provinces of Central America again...

Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for Nicaragua!  And remember, until next time, keep your flags flying- FREAK or otherwise!