The Emblem of Blood, Gold
and Green-
The Imperial Ithiopian Flag
It
is written that the horizontal tricolour (green over yellow
over red), originally took the form of three pennants. After
World War II the yellow stripe was charged with a crowned
Lion, supporting a cross staff bearing a bearing a green,
yellow, red pennon, known as the "Lion of Judah." It should
be noted that the Lion is depicted walking away from the hoist.
Among the reasons given for the adoption of the colours
are:
- They represent the three parts of Ethiopia: Tigre (red),
Amhara (yellow) and Shoa (green).
- The colours are those of the rainbow a frequent phenomenom
on Ethiopia.
- They represent the three Christian virtues - Faith (red),
Hope (green) and Charity (yellow).
When the Emperor returned after nearly five years exile in January
1941 He hoisted the green, yellow and red standard bearing the
brown Lion of Judah with the Amharic inscription "Lion of Judah,
King of Kings of Ethiopia." Above the Amharic inscription which
means "Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah." Within the Grand
Cordon is the Lion of Judah bearing the national colours. The
Seal (in gold) is also placed in each of the four corners of
the flag.
Taken from Jahug Vol. 2. Edition 2. Repatriations
Productions 1992 (p. 62)
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