08 Jul Flag of Panama
Most of us have seen the Panama flag, but do we know what the colors and design represent? As with most flags, a design and choice of colors in a national flag, representing a sovereign nation is usually not arbitrary. The traditions and history are reflected, as well as culture and religion.
A quick look at Panama’s History
In the early years Panama was a colony belonging to Spain, and therefor carried the Spanish Flag. After the separation from Spain in the year 1820 Panama joined voluntarily the Republic of Gran Colombia and eventually became the Republic of Colombia. Despite the fact that Panama was not a sovereign nation during these years it already showed some independence with its own flag, representing Panama as a Province or State.
While the design of the flag representing Panama changed over the years the colors were reflecting the Republic of Colombia. With yellow, red and blue stripes and a province or state design in the center.
Flag of Sovereign State of Panama
By Milenioscuro – Selfmade, based on the flag from FOTW, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Panama’s way to Independence
After many attempts and with the help of the US the Isthmus of Panama separated from Colombia. The Republic of Panama was born, and the newly gained independence called for its own flag.
The first proposal was based on the US flag, with red and yellow stripes, and two joined suns in a blue rectangle. The colors red and yellow were to represent the historic ties to Spain & Colombia, both flags prominently display those. The connecting suns were as a reflection the Republics position, connecting North and South America. This proposal of a flag was rejected as it was too closely resembling the US flag.
Proposed Flag of Panama by Bunau-Varilla, source
A new proposal, drawn by Manuel E. Amador, son of the first President of the Republic of Panama, was then made by his mother Maria Ossa de Amador. The flag, with the red, blue and white quadrants and two stars was used on the first flag day November 4, 1903 until December 20, 1903. After that the blue and white square where reversed for some unknown reasons.
The colors of the quadrants in the flag represent the two political parties at the time, blue for the Conservative Party and red for the Liberal Party, with white standing for peace and purity. The meaning of the stars stands for purity and honesty (blue), also the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The red stands for the authority and law in the country, also for the blood shed while fighting for independence.
Panama’s Flag today, the official Flag Day is November 4th
Fun Fact:
Although the proposed flag design by Phillippe Bunau-Varilla was rejected he had a huge impact in the history of Panama. He was a lobbyist for the Panama Canal. While the US Senators where undecided about building the Canal in Nicaragua or Panama, P. Buneau-Varilla made sure all Senators were made aware of the many active volcanos in Nicaragua. Postage stamps portraying the volcanos where sent to all. The agreement to choose Panama for the Canal was made afterwards.