This Week In Vexillology #79

Last week, we paid a visit to Merry Old England to take a peek at the Cross of St. George...  this week, I'm sort of behind the curve so after some thought and a peek at the This Week In Vexillology Archives I decided that we're going to sneak south to the land of good food and embittered old white guys who own bars and have their resident pianists play the same damn sad song on the piano over and over again--  I think this might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship, because this week, we've got the flag of Morocco:

Speaking of friendship: Morocco was on the of the first countries to grant recognition to the newly independent United States following the American Revolution.  Recognition was granted in 1777 and a Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1786.  It was renegotiated in 1836 but remains in force to this date, making it the longest unbroken treaty in US History.  So how do you like them apples? #TheMoreYouKnow

The design of the flag is pretty simple- a green pentagram on a field of red, but packed full of historical significance.   Red is the color of the royal Alaouite Family, which is descending from the Prophet via Fatima, the wife of Ali, the 4th Muslim Caliph (and, if I'm remembering my Islamic Studies class correctly, the last of the rightly guided Caliphs.)  From the 17th Century until about 1915, the flags of the country remained plain red until the green interlaced pentangle was added to the flag. 

The current flag was adopted on November 17th, 1915 for national and civil usage.  The red in the flag represents hardiness, bravery, strength and valor.  The green, five pointed star represents the Seal of Solomon. 

So there you have it- the flag of one of our oldest and bestest friends in the whole wide world- literally.  Give it up for Morocco!  And remember, until next time, keep your flag flying, FREAK or otherwise.