An entire peoples pride represented with specific emblems and colours, the unique history of a fire-hearted lands, an unceasing fight. Those promontories are Cape Pelorus,Cape Passero, and Cape Lilibeo. They could also be carried outside for certain ceremonies and events. The flag of Sicily ( Sicilian: Bannera d Sicilia; Italian: Bandiera della Sicilia) shows a triskeles symbol (a figure of three legs arranged in rotational symmetry), and at its centre a Gorgoneion (depiction of the head of Medusa) and a pair of wings and three wheat ears. Moreover, its three wrapping legs represent that religious and spiritual nuance which has always been typical of the region. Together with the Egadi, Lipari, Pelagie, and Panteleria islands, Sicily forms an autonomous region of Italy. Il Parlamento decreta: Che da qui innanzi lo stemma della Sicilia sia il segno della Trinacria senza leggenda di sorta. Lets find out more about the history of Sicily. Officially, the Trinacria became the Sicilian flag in 1943, during the World War II. The origin of this flag dates back to 1282, during the "Sicilian Vesper", the rebellion of Sicilians against Angevins; having a flag was very important because it represented the Sicilian people against the stranger ruler. And what does it mean? In Italian the flag is known as Il Tricolore (tree|koh|LOHR|eh) because of this, in much the same way that the American flag is commonly known as the stars and stripes.. triskelion He was born, after all, in Reggio di Calabria in Southern Italy, part of the region once known as Magna Graeca or Great Greece. Officially, the Trinacria became the Sicilian flag in 1943, during the World War II. It was a successor state of the County of Sicily, which had been founded in 1071 during the Norman conquest of the southern peninsula. Sometimes, you might see American Flags with gold fringes along the edges. The Sicily symbol and emblem of its flag is unique and mystifying. The Gorgoneion : It is only in Roman times that the triskeles loses its intrinsic religious significance to become exclusively the geographical symbol of Sicily. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Sicilian flag is red like lava and yellow like wheat, with three legs like its three edges, but this is not all. Speaking Sicilian vs Speaking Italian Sicilian incorporates a blend of words rooted from Arabic, Hebrew, Byzantine, and Norman, unlike Italian that sounds more like a blend of Spanish and French. The symbol in the middle of this new flag, the Triscele, is composed of the head of Medusa with three ears of corn, surrounded by three legs; Medusas head was introduced in Sicily by Greeks during their domination (VIII-III century b.C. Thereafter the old Kingdom of Sicily was centered on the mainland, with its capital at Naples, and although informally called 'Kingdom of Naples' it was still known formally as 'Kingdom of Sicily'. The Frangipani or Plumeria (aka Pomelia), is a shrub with sweet-fragrant white blossoms, that crowded the coastal areas of Sicily. Follow Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The most familiar rendition of her story is this: the young, golden-haired and beautiful Medusacaught the eye of the god Poseidonwho, on impulse, decided to ravish the maiden in the temple of another god, Athena. The colors of the flag were defined and standardized in reference to the Pantone Matching System (PMS). In particular, you can book a Five Days Tour of Sicily, if you want to see and learn everything about the history of Sicily. The three legs represent the three capes of the island of Sicily: Peloro (north-east), Passero (south), and Lilibeo (west), which form the three points of a triangle. Her face, whether fierce and grotesque or feminine and composed, appears in virtually all media in varying contexts. Well, Sicilians love it a lot, and in a small town called Modica chocolate is made in a unique way that makes it [], [] You can read more about the Trinacria and the Sicilian Flag here. Sign up now its free! The name Versace is usually printed below the image, although the logo is among the most recognizable in the world, with or without the name. First adopted in 1282 by the Sicilian Vespers,it is currently the official flag of the autonomous Sicilian region. The oldest known representation of the Trinacria is a terracotta vase housed in the Archeological Museum of Agrigento. In a fit of rage and jealousy, Athena turned Medusa into a hideous monster with serpent hair. Does anyone know if it matters which side of each of the three legs you see whether the inner leg or outer side, and if it makes any difference symbolically? Io penso che le tre punte del simbolo della Sicilia e che il numero 3 e il numero perfetto(le tre trinita ect,)e cosi e la Sicilia , terra decantata da grandi poeti, famosi pittori, adornata da grandi architetture,lambita da tre mari di mitica temperatura( da non invidiare nessun mare nel mondo),tre estremita che indicano i piu famose punti cardinali,baciata dal un sole,a volte spendente e cocente che dauna sensazione rilassante;da ogni punto terrestre si puo contemplare meravigliosi paesaggi,con una multitudine di colori, e sopratutto la tanta decantata veduta da Muncibeddu( Monte S. Pellegrino) la cosi detta La Conca DOro,che i riflessi del Sole rispecchiati dalle arangie negli alberi da un colore giallo vivido, che il famoso poeta IngleseMilton lo cita in un suo libro.Terra affascinante ma negleta per tante ovvie ragione. Manfred, King of Sicily, crowned King of Sicily in 1258, changed the field of the coat of arms of Hohenstaufen family from gold to silver. Medusas head is encircled by a ring of Greek keys - decorative patterns based on single lines that twist like a maze another quintessential Versace design motif. You can see the Trinacria everywhere, it's the symbol of Sicily, the head of Medusa, with wings. Anyway, regardless of your choice, you may want to impress your travel companions and learn something about the origins of the Trinacria or Triskelion and some fascinating stories surrounding the birth of Sicily and its three-legged symbol. We're so glad youre curious aboutour Italy intel. Sicily (Sicilia) is the biggest island in the Mediterranean, separated from the mainland by the strait of Messina. In Greek mythology, Medusa had snakes in her hair. All of these elements and many more can be found in the Sicilian flag: observing the coexistence of yellow and red with the majestic and central image of a head with three legs. Im thinking to myself theres no way thats corn. In the Ancient Mythology, the Gorgon is a mythological figure who was each of the three daughters of two Gods of the sea. St. Valentines Day: la Festa degli Innamorati, Plants & Planters Bring Your Home Dcor to Life, How to Decorate with Handmade Italian Wall Plates, A quick guide to handmade Italian Dinnerware. Trinacria fu il primo nome dato all'isola. The Sicilian flag shows a triskeles symbol and at its center is a depiction of the head of Medusa and a pair of wings together with 3 wheat ears. It is about a boy who could swim underwater for long periods of time and was put to the test by the king. Perhaps by mistake, due to its rather complicated design, this flag was often depicted with shoulder positions swapped (eagles up and down and stripes right and left). Outside of the US, our corn is called maize. Its very intriguing! Other scholars argue that three running legs mean the racing of time in the cycle of nature. First adopted in 1282 by the Sicilian Vespers, it is currently the official flag of the autonomous Sicilian region. However tenuous, this is the only explanation I found. They stopped where nature was most luxuriant and collected lovely stones, juicy pieces of fruit and handfuls of fertile soil. The origin of this flag dates back to 1282, during the " Sicilian Vesper ", the rebellion of Sicilians against Angevins; having a flag was very important because it represented the Sicilian people against the stranger ruler. The head surrounded by three legs can be seen everywhere on the enchanting island, from beautiful ceramics to little souvenir trinkets. The flag of Sicily (Sicilian: Bannera d Sicilia; Italian: Bandiera della Sicilia) shows a triskeles symbol (a figure of three legs arranged in rotational symmetry), and at its center a Gorgoneion (depiction of the head of Medusa) and a pair of wings and three wheat ears. Your email address will not be published. His worship occurred all over the island, but particularly in the town of Adranus, modern Adrano, near Mount Etna. So no worries, you can feel safe on Sicil y, and youre sure to see the flag at some point. Translated into English by Daniela Marsala. We think youll love our free e-mail newsletter a weekly dose of Italy you didnt know you needed. The banner is presented with a quarter-title in decusse, or in the cross of SantAndrea: the bars of Aragon are placed in the 1st and 4th quarters, while the Swabian-Sicilian eagles stand out facing or facing the flagpole in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Web. The flag officially became the symbol of Sicily in 1282 after a successful revolt by the Sicilians against Charles the I. Le tre spighe di grano furono aggiunte in epoca romana, quando la Sicilia era uno dei maggiori granai dell'impero romano; nel complesso simboleggiano la fertilit e la prosperit del territorio. We dont grow or use corn much at all. souvenirs depicting the trinacria The Sicilian flag Some even look for a graphical representation of Sicily on the flag, as the three legs could symbolise Capo Libibeo, Capo Peloro and Capo Passero. Medusa's head became a symbol of protection and was used widely on buildings, amulets and armour. These are the two cities that started the revolution of the Sicilian Vespers.The flag was used during the medieval revolution of the Vespers. The one above is on a wall, and the lemons, another Sicilian trademark, are a nice touch. After winning the war, the Allies helped Sicily become independent from Italy. The Trinacria was a symbol of freedom amd belonging and during the Vespers and the flag of the Cisalpine Republic (17971802), the colors green-white-red was a symbol of freedom too. Gevril Group, watchmaker and wholesale watch distributor, is the exclusive U.S. agent for exquisitely designed and crafted European luxury and fashion watch brands, distributing and servicing some of the best affordable luxury and Swiss watches and trendy fashion watches. Medusa was mainly known for her ability to turn mortal men to stone with one gaze. The triangular shape came to be in the center of the Sicilian flag during WWII and symbolized a plan to help Sicily become independent and a free republic. [12] The logo of the separatist party "Free Sicilians" alludes to this flag. Banner of Manfred, King of Sicily (r. 12581266) Banner of Charles I of Anjou (r. 12661282/5; flag of the Angevin kings of Naples 12821442) Naval flag of the Kingdom of Sicily under the House of Aragon (14th century) Flag of the Emirate of Sicily (831-1091). The modern flag of Italy wasnt made the countrys official flag until 1948, but the three colors in the flag have been in use since the late 1700s representing . Aut. The meaning of the Sicily symbol is mainly mythological but some historians have dated it back to being an old religious symbol. The TrinacriaThe Trinacria, also known as Triskelion, is the familiar three-legged symbol of Sicily, Italys unique little nugget. Everywhere in Sicily, you've probably found the Trinacria on the flags, souvenirs or ceramic artwork. Corn is the word for grain. It was used in combination with the Italian tricolore in the Sicilian revolution of 1848. Eventually, independentists used a yellow and red flag, with the Trinacria in the centre. The Sicilian flag was first established in 1943 by Italian politician Andrea Finnochiaro Aprile who led a Sicilian independence movement during World War II. Trib Catania n. 07/2017 - ROC 3177, The pubs in Catania where you can not only drink and meet new people, but also read, Scents and colors: an unusual Sicily comes to life in the new graphic novel by Giulio Macaione, The Secret Well of Ortigia - Vamos Travel Blog, Not fear, but consensus: the arrest of Messina Denaro and a silence that lasted 30 years, Cricket flour, the Sicilian recipe to save the planet, The beautiful Sicilian lake most people cannot visit, The author loved by Sciascia but despised by Sicilians, Visiting Sicily in thirty minutes: the Kontiland experience. If you are interested in Sicily Mythology, the Trinacria Symbol, and the Tradition of Sicilian Ceramics, you can check our Sicily Tours. But why a woman with three legs? Banner of Charles I of Anjou (r. 1266-1282/5). In the Trinacria, the head of Medusa stands in the centre. The colours of the flag, red and yellow, are the colours of Palermo and Corleone (also famous because of the movie the godfather), first two cities in which revolt started. Anyway, even in this case, what appears is not that the tip of a large-sized iceberg. There she is, her face a fearsome grimace, with fanged grinning mouth, protruding tongue and bulbous eyes. The addition of a pair of wings to the head of the Gorgon is modern (1848), the three ears of corn were added in the 1940s. During the Sicilian Vespers the flag became the true symbol of Sicily's unity against the Angevin French. The function of the flag also changed gradually: initially it was a banner of war later it became a flag raised by Sicilian merchant ships. Required fields are marked *. Until 1296, the coat of arms and the banner derived from it were usually quartered.[11]. Sicily (Italian: Sicilia [sitilja]; Sicilian: Sicilia [silja]) is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and one of the 20 regions of Italy. Yet, another myth comes from the time of King Frederick the II. Youll read that the colors represent hope (green), faith (white), and charity (red); or that the green is for the hills, the white is for the mountains, and the red for the bloody wars for independence. One day they reached a region with a wonderful clear blue sky and they fell in love with the place. The flag was used for the first time in 1282 during the Revolution of the Vespers by the Sicilians, wanting to symbolize the unity of Sicily in driving out the Angevins/House of Anjou, the French dynasty that oppressed the Sicilian people. Have you ever been to a Sicilian restaurant trying these amazing dishes? Among these historical shades, the mysterious Triscele stands out: it is a human representation with the mythological head of Gorgon and three (almost) concentric legs. The face depicted in the centre was originally that of Medusa, a reference to the protectress of Sicily, the goddess Athena, who had the head of the gorgon on her shield. The American Flag uses the colors red, white, and blue, similar to the colors of American political parties. The Meaning of the Symbol. Gianni Versaces incarnation of Medusa is based on a more alluring representation of the legendary mortal, where Medusa is suggestive of power, strength and beauty that constitutes a propitious sense of the mythology. The face in the middle represents Medusa, who is familiar from Greek mythology as being able to turn anyone into stone if you look at her face - and according to Sicilians, it is on the flag because it "protects" Sicily from any enemies it may have. There are also three ears of wheat, referencing the agricultural nature of the island. Please subscribe to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog. The Trinacria Symbol today is rich with folklore, and Sicilians held its tradition with fervour. Eventually, the story goes, the boy discovered that Sicily was held up by three columns and one was about to break. Apart from the colours, there are other symbols, like the legs, symbolising the cyclicality of time, the recurrence of seasons. Also, I see some versions with winged feet and some without. In the Trinacria, the head of Medusa stands in the centre. Gianni Versace was a fashion rock star. See Details. The flag of Milan, a white flag with a red cross on it, was the flag of the citys patron saint (St. Ambrose). - Sicilian Food Culture, Modica Chocolate: from Aztecs to Sicily! When King Frederick II learned about Colapesces extraordinary skills, he sailed to Messina to meet him off the coast. Maybe you recognize the flag too, but most of the Sicilians dont know its history and meaning What is the name of the head with three legs? the regional Sicilian parliament on 4 January 2000 (the first law of the year decreed the adoption of a "new" flag). This is why, they say, the island has three corners which . Corleone is an Italian town and comune of roughly 11,158 inhabitants in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, in Sicily. Established in 1943, during the World War II Modica Chocolate: Aztecs... This is the only explanation I found, Pelagie, and youre sure to see the officially! Of rage and jealousy, Athena turned Medusa into a hideous monster serpent. Against Charles the I defined and standardized in reference to the colors the! Currently the official flag of the autonomous Sicilian region was put to the Matching... The edges always been typical of the separatist party `` free Sicilians '' alludes to this...., Medusa had snakes in her hair a yellow and red flag, three... Turn mortal men to stone with one gaze you & # x27 ; s unity the. And comune of roughly 11,158 inhabitants in the cycle of nature II learned about Colapesces extraordinary skills, he to... Reached a region with a wonderful clear blue sky and they fell love! Each of the Sicily symbol and emblem of its flag is unique and mystifying in... They say, the story goes, the island three edges, but this is the explanation. ( PMS ) ve probably found the Trinacria, also known as,. It back to being an old religious symbol City of Palermo, in Sicily soil... ; ve probably found the Trinacria, also known as Triskelion, is the biggest island in the mythology! The mainland by the Sicilian flag was first established in 1943 by Italian Andrea! The time of King Frederick the II everywhere on the enchanting island, from beautiful ceramics little. The meaning of the sea and youre sure to see the flag officially became the of... A fire-hearted lands, an unceasing fight like the legs, symbolising the of... The TrinacriaThe Trinacria, also known as Triskelion, is the only explanation found! Of Messina religious and spiritual nuance which has always been typical of the flag became Sicilian... Of nature and blog outside of the Vespers flag at some point, amulets and armour you might see Flags. And the lemons, another myth comes from the colours, there are symbols. And Cape Lilibeo virtually all media in varying contexts of Sicily ) is the island... With gold fringes along the edges that Sicily was held up by three legs can be seen everywhere on Flags. Beautiful ceramics to little souvenir trinkets the official flag of the Trinacria the! These amazing dishes youre sure to see the flag at some point in combination the. In reference to the colors of American political parties white, and youre sure to see the flag the. Time, the boy discovered that why is medusa on the sicilian flag was held up by three legs like three! Surrounded by three columns and one was about to break, what appears is that... Clear blue sky and they fell in love with the Trinacria is a vase. R. 1266-1282/5 ) that the tip of a large-sized iceberg pride represented with specific and... The mainland by the Sicilians against Charles the I Vespers.The flag was first in..., symbolising the cyclicality of time and was used widely on buildings, amulets and armour at all alludes! Legs represent that religious and spiritual nuance which has always been typical of the Vespers Italian town and comune roughly! Are a nice touch another Sicilian trademark, are a nice touch grow or use much. A fit of rage and jealousy, Athena turned Medusa into a why is medusa on the sicilian flag with! Grow or use corn much at all 're so glad youre curious aboutour intel. Colapesces extraordinary skills, he sailed to Messina to meet him off the coast and! Surrounded by three columns and one was about to break with folklore, and blue, similar to test! American political parties grimace, with three legs can be seen everywhere on the enchanting island, beautiful! You & # x27 ; ve probably found the Trinacria became the Sicilian flag first... Varying contexts some point the Gevril Group on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn where nature was most luxuriant and lovely... Used during the World War II unique history of Sicily in 1282 after a revolt. Group newsletter and blog banner of Charles I of Anjou ( r. 1266-1282/5 ) referencing. Subscribe to the test by the Sicilian Vespers.The flag was first established in 1943 by politician... Sicily become independent from Italy there are also three ears of wheat, referencing the nature... Panteleria islands, Sicily forms an autonomous region of Italy you didnt you... Italy you didnt know you needed pieces of fruit and handfuls of soil... Led a Sicilian independence movement during World War II but this is why they. Jealousy, Athena turned Medusa into a hideous monster with serpent hair there she is, her a! Above is on a wall, and blue, similar to the Gevril Group newsletter and blog fire-hearted,. Meaning of the separatist party `` free Sicilians '' alludes to this flag there are also three ears wheat. Of Charles I of Anjou ( r. 1266-1282/5 ) the enchanting island, from beautiful to. ( Sicilia ) is the biggest island in the Trinacria in the Archeological Museum of Agrigento most and... Out more about the history of Sicily the TrinacriaThe Trinacria, the recurrence of seasons another Sicilian trademark, a. Youll love our free e-mail newsletter a weekly dose of Italy 1282 after successful. That religious and spiritual nuance which has always been typical of the three of. The autonomous Sicilian region called maize Sicilian Vespers, it is currently the official flag of the sea similar! Certain ceremonies and events be seen everywhere on the enchanting island, but this is not all you to! The Archeological Museum of Agrigento it were usually quartered. [ 11.... Serpent hair didnt know you needed City of Palermo, in Sicily an old religious symbol known. Tongue and bulbous eyes Sicily ( Sicilia ) is the familiar three-legged symbol protection! A yellow and red flag, with three legs like its three edges, but this is,... Find out more about the history of a fire-hearted lands, an unceasing fight he sailed Messina! And blog flag at some point in love with the Italian tricolore in the cycle of nature r. 1266-1282/5.. Surrounded by three legs like its three wrapping legs represent that religious and spiritual nuance which has always been of... That started the revolution of 1848 or use corn much at all Andrea Aprile! Outside of the US, our corn is called maize coastal areas Sicily. Even in this case, what appears is not all you might see American Flags with fringes. The region I of Anjou ( r. 1266-1282/5 ) probably found the Trinacria the... Other scholars argue that three running legs mean the racing of why is medusa on the sicilian flag and put. [ 12 ] the logo of the US, our corn is called maize Adrano near... I see some versions with winged feet and some without time of King the!, an unceasing fight flag of the sea the true symbol of Sicily #. At all [ 11 ] about the history of Sicily, you can feel safe on y. Sicily & # x27 ; s head became a symbol of protection and was put to test! The Frangipani or Plumeria ( aka Pomelia ), is a shrub with sweet-fragrant white blossoms that., separated from the colours, there are also three ears of wheat, referencing the why is medusa on the sicilian flag... S head became a symbol of Sicily day they reached a region with a wonderful clear blue sky and fell... Two Gods of the autonomous Sicilian region unique history of Sicily appears in virtually all media in varying contexts has! And red flag, with three legs like its three edges, but this is,. Trinacria on the Flags, souvenirs or ceramic artwork no way thats corn lets find more... ), is a terracotta vase housed in the cycle of nature white, and youre sure see! Fire-Hearted lands, an unceasing fight pride represented with specific emblems and,... The history of a fire-hearted lands, an unceasing fight, our corn is called maize have you been! Unique and mystifying also three ears of wheat, referencing the agricultural nature of the Vespers... Fit of rage and jealousy, Athena turned Medusa into a hideous monster with hair... The meaning of the region tradition with fervour to see the flag were defined standardized... Outside for certain ceremonies and events one day they reached a region with a wonderful blue! E-Mail newsletter a weekly dose of Italy you didnt know you needed, from beautiful ceramics to little trinkets. Unity against the Angevin French a hideous monster with serpent hair even in case... The recurrence of seasons along the edges ceramic artwork, independentists used a yellow and red flag with!, Italys unique little nugget the coast anyway, even in this,. Derived from it were usually quartered. [ 11 ] dont grow or use corn much at all is and., from beautiful ceramics to little souvenir trinkets wonderful clear blue sky and fell... And colours, there are also why is medusa on the sicilian flag ears of wheat, referencing the agricultural nature of the separatist ``. Site we will assume that you are happy with it Trinacria in the Trinacria in the Archeological Museum of.... Along the edges, with three legs like its three wrapping legs represent that religious and spiritual which. Fierce and grotesque or feminine and composed, appears in virtually all media varying!