The history of Brazil is marked by many political changes. As it could not be different, the flags, being one of the official symbols of the State, accompanied all the changes. In just over 500 years of history, more than ten flags have already been used in the country.
Although we are very used to the green and yellow model, this color combination only started to be used from the Proclamation of the Republic, in 1889.
Flag of the Order of Christ (1319 – 1651)
This is the famous flag that was stamped on the caravels when Pedro Álvares arrived in Brazil and is represented in most of the images that portray the event. She, therefore, was the first to be flown on Brazilian soil. This is because it was the religious order that sponsored the arrival of the Portuguese to overseas territory and, in addition, it was a national symbol of the Portuguese.
Royal Flag (1500 - 1521)
The Royal Flag was created by João II of Portugal and, in addition to the white royal standard, contained the country's coat of arms. It was also used on the caravels that came to Brazilian territory. However, even being official, ended up giving way to the Order of Christ.
Flag of D. John III (1521 - 1616)
This flag was present at very important moments in Brazilian history. In it, the Cross of Christ was replaced by the Portuguese royal crown.
Used throughout the reign of Dom João III of Portugal, it was the official flag at the time of the first colonizing missions, in the creation of hereditary captaincies, in the creation of general governments and when the Brazilian territory was divided into two governments, one from the south and the other from the north.
Dominion of Spain over Portugal (1616 – 1640)
Between 1616 and 1640 Brazil was under the domain of Spain. At this time, this was the official flag. It was created by the Spanish king Felipe II. The most remarkable events of the period were the Dutch invasions in the northeast, especially Bahia and Pernambuco, in addition to the beginning of expeditions to explore the interior of the territory.
The Portuguese shield and crown were kept, however, surrounded by five branches on each side.
Flag of the Restoration (1640 - 1656)
At the end of Spanish rule, to represent the resumption of the Portuguese Kingdom, D. João IV instituted the Flag of Restoration. The branches were removed, but a blue border was added, representing the patron saint of Portugal, Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
Flag of the Principality of Brazil (1645 – 1816)
THE first brand created exclusively for Brazil, the Flag of the Principality is from when D. João IV conferred on his son Teodósio the title of “Prince of Brazil”, when the territory came to be considered a principality.
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Flag of D. Pedro II of Portugal (1683 – 1706)
This was the first time that the green rectangle, as used today, appeared on a Brazilian flag. The Flag of D. Pedro II from Portugal was used at the time when the expeditions of the pioneers were at their peak.
Flag of Portugal, Brazil and Algarves (1816 – 1821)
With the coming of the Portuguese Royal Family to Brazil the country has experienced a number of changes, including the flag. In this sense, an important point is the elevation of the colony to the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and Algarves, in 1815.
However, the new flag only appeared in the following year, with some characteristics similar to the Flag of the Principality, Brazil was represented through the blue sphere, located in the center.
Flag of the Constitutional Regime (1821 – 1822)
This was one of the flags with the shortest period of validity. He was present on September 7, 1822, on the occasion of the Independence of Brazil. Precisely for this reason, it was the last Portuguese flag to be made official in the country, as a Portuguese colony.
Flag of Brazil Empire (1822 – 1889)
Once the country had become independent, the need arose to have its own flag. The first combination of green and yellow is from that time, like the one we have until today. But, contrary to what is widely disseminated, these colors do not represent the forests and gold of Brazil. In fact, the green symbolizes the Bragança house of D. Pedro I and the yellow the Habsburg house of D. Leopoldine.
At first it was created only for D. Peter I, who on account of emancipation had been proclaimed Emperor of Brazil. Despite retaining some elements, the royal crown was replaced by the imperial one and branches of coffee and tobacco were added.
First flag of Brazil Republic (November 15 to 19, 1889)
clearly inspired by american flag, it was used for the four days following the Proclamation of the Republic, from 15 to 19 November 1889, replacing the Imperial Flag.
National Flag (1889 - Current)
The current model has been used since 1889, right after the Proclamation of the Republic. It, in fact, is a redefinition of the flag used during the empire, which instead of the blue circle, had the coat of arms of monarchy in the center.
Created by Raimundo Teixeira Mendes and Miguel Lemos, in addition to the positivist motto “Ordem e Progresso”, they were 21 stars were inserted, one for each state at that time, in addition to the municipality that is now the District Federal. They were positioned as they were seen in the sky over Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889.
Today, with the creation of new states, there are already 27 stars. Legally, if new states are created, new stars will be inserted.
Read too: coat of arms of the republic
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