Flag Overview
Meaning of the Flag
Though the red and green bands on the Portuguese flag have had political ties in the past, the colors are now said to represent the hope of Portugal and the blood that was shed while defending the nation.
The Portuguese coat of arms features an armillary sphere that represents the tool used by Portuguese sailors during the Age of Discoveries. The Portuguese shield is also part of the coat of arms, and it has been incorporated in every flag design of this nation throughout history. The small blue shields represent the five wounds of Christ, while the seven castles represent Portugal’s victory over enemies under Afonso III in the 1200s.
Colors of the Flag
The two main colors of the Portuguese flag are green and red. A vertical band of green is located on the hoist, while a larger horizontal band of red is located on the fly of the flag. The flag also features the country’s national coat of arms, which includes the colors gold, white, red, black, and blue.
History of the Flag
The Portuguese flag has underwent multiple changes throughout the years. One thing that has remained consistent throughout the evolution of the flag has been the inclusion of some form of the coat of arms.
Until the 19th century, the Portuguese glad was used as a naval ensign and fortress flag. In the 19th century, the flag became a national symbol. The current design of the Portuguese flag was first adopted on June 30, 1911.
Flag Facts
The Portuguese flag has two nicknames. Bandeira Cerde-Rubra means “Green-Red Flag” in English, while Bandeira das Quinas translates to “Flag of the Five Escutcheons.”
Anyone that shows a lack of respect toward the national flag will receive a prison sentence of up to 12 months.
For formal settings, the flag of Portugal is folded into a square by four people.
