The Palestinian Flag: History, Colours and Meaning
Of all the symbols of Palestine, none is carried more often than the flag itself. You will see it at marches in London, on balconies in Glasgow and on the shoulders of footballers. Here is where it comes from.
Born in the Arab Revolt
The flag's design goes back to the flag of the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule, which began in 1916. Its three horizontal stripes and a red triangle at the hoist were later adopted, in slightly different forms, by several Arab movements and states.
The four colours
The colours are often linked to historic Arab dynasties: black for the Abbasids, white for the Umayyads, green for the Fatimids and red for the Hashemites or the revolt itself. Some people read them more poetically, as the land, peace, hope and sacrifice. Both readings are common, and neither is an official rulebook.
A flag of the people
The Palestinian National Council adopted the flag in 1964, and it became the flag of the Palestine Liberation Organization and later of the State of Palestine. For decades, displaying it in the occupied territories could lead to arrest, which is one reason symbols like the watermelon became so important.
The flag in Britain
Today the flag is part of everyday life for many British Palestinians and supporters, from family homes to football grounds and university campuses. Flying it is a way of saying that a people and their history are still here.
Our Palestine Flag designs put those four colours on sweatshirts, tees and accessories you can wear every day.
FAQ
+What do the colours of the Palestinian flag mean?
They are often linked to historic Arab dynasties: black for the Abbasids, white for the Umayyads, green for the Fatimids and red for the Hashemites or the Arab Revolt.
+Where does the Palestinian flag come from?
Its design comes from the flag of the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule, which began in 1916.
+When was the Palestinian flag adopted?
The Palestinian National Council adopted it in 1964.
+Why is the watermelon used instead of the flag?
When displaying the flag was restricted, the watermelon, with the same colours, became a way to show it without the flag itself.
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