Mexico

Mexico: National Flag By Alexandra Franco

Introduction

The United Mexican States, mainly known as Mexico, is a federal republic in North America. The Unites States of America borders it on the North and on the south by Guatemala and Belize. The official language is Spanish, which is spoken by 98% of the population, but there are also 68 native language groups that are recognized.

Mexico was under the rule of Spain for over 300 years, but declared independency on September 16, 1810. Our first constitution was written in 1824, but after several modifications the final edition was revised in 1917.

According to the Mexican Constitution, Mexico’s government is representative, democratic and republican based on a presidential system. The presidential term is of six years with no chance of reelection. The president is the head of state and government, and also the commander-in-chief of the Mexican military. Our current president is Enrique Peña Nieto.

National Symbols

The Mexican flag is a rectangle divided into three, vertical, equal sized stripes each with a color: green on the left, white at the center, and red at the right. On the center strip, the white one is the National Shield. Each color represents an ideology:

• Green: Hope

• White: Unity

• Red: The blood of national heroes.

The National shield is made up of a Mexican eagle devouring a serpent which holds in its peak and with its right claw. The eagle stands on a prickly pear on a small island on a lake represented with a Náhuatl (native tribe) symbol.

The National Shield of Mexico is based on an Aztec legend. A native tribe searched for hundreds of years for the right place to build their city, waiting for a sign of the gods. When they saw an eagle eating a serpent while standing on a prickly pear they knew it was the sign they were looking for. The lake where they established their city is now the capital of the country, Mexico City.

Throughout the years, different interpretations have been given on the symbolism of the Mexican Shield. It is said that the eagle represents the Mexican people, and the serpent represents the enemies of the country. The prickly pear, with its thorns, represents the challenges and troubles of Mexico. Because the eagle stands on it, Mexicans with prevails these challenges.

The native symbols of the little island and water represent our indigenous origins. The laurel and oak branches represent victory and the martyrs who have given their life for the country.

Because of the country’s bloody history, our National symbols are messages and reminders of strength and pride as Mexicans to overcome challenges and fight for what we believe.