Definition
The Flag of Italy, officially known as Il Tricolore (the Tricolour), is the national flag of the Italian Republic. It consists of three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red.
Overview
Adopted in its current form on 1 January 1948, the flag serves as a principal symbol of the Italian state and is used by governmental institutions, military forces, and the general public. The design derives from the French Tricolour and reflects the influence of revolutionary movements of the late 18th century. Variants of the tricolour have been employed since the Cisalpine Republic (1797) and have undergone several modifications in proportion, shade, and official status throughout Italy’s history, notably during the Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946) and the subsequent Italian Republic.
Etymology/Origin
The term Tricolore is borrowed from French, meaning “three‑coloured.” It entered Italian usage during the late 18th century to describe flags composed of three distinct colour fields. The specific colour arrangement of green‑white‑red was first adopted by the Cisalpine Republic in 1797, a client state of the French Republic established in northern Italy.
Characteristics
- Design: Three vertical bands of equal width; green at the hoist, followed by white, then red.
- Proportions: Officially 2:3 (height : width).
- Colours: The shades are defined by the Italian law of 1990 as Pantone 17‑146 C (green), Pantone 186 C (red), and Pantone White (white).
- Symbolic interpretations: Various explanations exist for the colours, including:
Green – historically linked to the plains of Italy or to the emblem of the Milanese militia; modern interpretations often cite hope.
White – traditionally associated with faith or the snow‑capped Alps.
Red – commonly linked to charity or the blood shed for Italian independence.
These interpretations are not codified in law and therefore remain unofficial. - Legal status: The flag’s design, dimensions, and usage are regulated by the Law of 1 January 1948 (Law No. 22) and subsequent legislative decrees. The law prescribes protocols for display, half‑mast lowering, and the use of the state flag versus the civil (plain) flag, which omits the emblem of the Italian Republic present on the state version.
Related Topics
- National symbols of Italy (anthem, coat of arms, emblem)
- History of the Italian flag (Cisalpine Republic, Kingdom of Italy, Italian Republic)
- Flag of the Italian Republic (state flag with emblem)
- Flag of Italy (civil flag)
- Italian unification (Risorgimento)
- Comparative national flags (e.g., French Tricolour, Irish Tricolour)