History

• The current flag was created in 1821 after the Mexican Independence movement came to a successful completion.
  
  

Identification

• The Mexican flag is a tri-color flag with green, white and red bands. An emblem is located in the middle of the white band.
  
  

Size

• The proportions of the Mexican flag are the ratio 4:7, height to width. This means that if the flag were made 4 feet high, it would have to be 7 feet wide. It would also be acceptable to make the Mexican flag in any dimension that matches those proportions, such as 8 feet high and 14 feet wide, or even 12 inches high and 21 inches wide.
  
  

Theories/Speculation

• There are two different accepted meanings for each band of color on the Mexican flag: Green represents both the independence movement and hope, white represents both the purity of the Catholic faith and purity, and red represents the Spaniards that joined in the fight for independence, the blood of all national heroes and union.
  
  

Expert Insight

• The emblem on the white band of the flag represents the Aztec heritage. Legend has it that the Aztecs were told by the gods that their city should be built where they saw an eagle perched on a prickly pear tree with a serpent in its mouth. The Aztecs saw this on the marshy lake that is now the main plaza in Mexico City.