This Week In Vexillology #56

Last week we were in Tanzania looking at one of my favorite African flags but this week, we're heading back up to look at one of Europe's most controversial flags and probably the only flag I can think of that's been subject of an intellectual property controversy and economic blockade.   Yes, it's the Republic of Macedonia!

The current flag was adopted on October 5th, 1995 for national and civil usage.  The red and yellow in the flag are taken from the traditional coat of arms of Macedonia- the symbol from the coat of arms is the Golden Lion and dates from around 1340 or so.  The colors from the coat of arms have remained the colors of Macedonia ever since.   The radiant sun in the center of the flag was added in 1995 to replace the controversial 'Star of Vergina.'

But this wasn't Macedonia's first flag following independence from Yugoslavia- this was:

This is in the infamous Vergina Flag and it caused quite a stir.  The Vergina Sun or Star of Vergina is an ancient Macedonian emblem from the tomb of Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great.   Greece flipped its shit about this:  they claimed it as a Greek emblem and went so far as to file a claim with the World Intellectual Property Organization for exclusive copyright over the symbol.  They prevented the new flag from being flown at the United Nations HQ in New York and as the icing on the cake, imposed a one year economic blockade until the Macedonians finally folded and changed their flag.

While I think both flags are striking- there's something to be said for the Vergina Flag.  It speaks to ancient history of the region and looks pretty boss- but never fear, the replacement and current flag gets plenty of plaudits as well-  the 2002 Editors of the World Almanac picked the best flags of all the states in the world and Macedonia came in second, between Bhutan (1st) and Kiribati (3rd,)   A silver medal isn't half bad, I don't think.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen put your hands together for Macedonia!  And until next time, keep your flags flying-  FREAK or otherwise.