Red and blue ! Black and red ! With or without a coat of arm ? The haitian’s flag history is as vibrant as the haitian’s history itself.

It started 217 years ago when the revolutionary nation decided to get the most emblematic symbol of an independent country, a flag. Indeed, when Dessalines and the other generals decided to march on what is now Port-au-Prince, they wanted to carry a flag that would represent their troops. On May 18, 1803, they pieced together a design for the official flag. Since then, May 18 has been known as #HaitianFlagDay.

History says Dessalines tore off the white part of the french flag. The two remaining pieces were stitched by Catherine Flon, his goddaughter. It was the first act towards the creation of the motto of the Republic of Haiti : “L'Union fait la Force” which means “Unity makes strength”. Indeed, the blue and the red pieces symbolized the black and the mixed inhabitants of the country gathering together to fight the common enemy : the white french symbolized by the white part of the flag. 

The haitian flag also has a spiritual meaning. In its history, it has changed 8 times including black and red before going back to the current version with the coat of arms. As a matter of fact, several historians agree on the coat of arms originating from voodoo with a strong link with the Loa (divinity) of war “Ogou” of the Ciampula (Champwel) an indigenous population in Haiti and the latin community whom flag was red and black. His religious african beliefs may have led Dessalines into choosing these specific colors in his honor.

Nowadays, the 18 of may is a symbol of struggles and achievements for the first black republic resulting from a successful insurrection of slaves. This day is largely celebrated in Haiti but also in the United States where we have the biggest haitian community. 

Does the haitian community celebrate May 18 in your country ? 

Caribbeanfully yours