The Virginia state flag is more than just cloth and color; it’s a symbol deeply intertwined with the Commonwealth’s history and identity, from its secession from the Union to its role in the Civil War.
This article will explore the Virginia state flag history, its symbolism, and how it has evolved over time. We’ll delve into the meaning behind its design elements, including the iconic Great Seal of Virginia emblazoned at its center.
The Great Seal of Virginia: Foundation of the Flag
The Virginia state flag is based on the Commonwealth’s Great Seal, which was adopted in 1776. The seal’s design symbolizes Virginia’s founding principles and values, and it’s full of meaningful figures and imagery.
The seal features Virtus (the Roman goddess of Virtue), Libertas (the Roman goddess of Liberty), and a fallen tyrant. The motto “Sic Semper Tyrannis” (Thus Always to Tyrants) is a reference to the death of Julius Caesar and an expression of the colony’s revolutionary spirit.
Over the years, there have been minor modifications and additions to the seal, including adjustments to the figures’ poses and the inclusion of new words and mottoes.
The seal has been the subject of legislation in 1779, 1809, 1856, 1861, 1873, 1903, 1930, 1966, and 2005, which shows how important it is to the people of Virginia.
Virginia’s secession and the adoption of the state flag
Virginia’s flag is closely tied to the state’s history during the Civil War. When President Lincoln called for 75,000 Union army volunteers in 1861, Virginia’s government voted to secede from the Union and join the Confederate States of America.
On April 30, 1861, the state officially adopted a flag very similar in design to the one that flies over Virginia today. The flag came to represent the state’s identity, values, and defiance in the face of what many Virginians saw as federal overreach.
Interestingly, two different seals were in use during the Civil War. The Confederate government used one seal, while the Unionist government, based in Alexandria, used another. This split reflected the deep divisions within the state at the time.
Design and Symbolism of the Virginia State Flag
Virginia’s state flag features the state seal set against a field of blue. The flag’s dimensions aren’t rigidly defined in the law, allowing for some variation, but the seal’s symbolism is strictly prescribed.
The central figures in the seal tell a powerful story. Virtus, the embodiment of virtue, stands triumphant over a defeated tyrant. This scene visually represents the triumph of good governance over oppression.
Beneath the figures, the Latin phrase “Sic Semper Tyrannis” reinforces this message. Translated as “Thus Always to Tyrants,” it serves as a warning to those who would seek to rule unjustly.
Compared to other state flags, Virginia’s stands out due to its classical imagery and Latin motto. Many state flags feature natural landscapes or symbols of industry, but Virginia’s focuses on a timeless struggle between virtue and tyranny, reflecting its history as a leader in the American Revolution.
Evolution and Legacy of the Virginia State Flag
Over the years, the Virginia state flag has come to mean different things to different people.
Since its adoption, the flag’s symbolism has been interpreted in many ways, and today, the flag is a well-known symbol of Virginia’s history and character. It flies over government buildings and appears at public events as a representation of the state.
However, the flag’s imagery has caused some controversy, too. Some people find the depiction of a defeated tyrant with a bare breast to be problematic. It’s important to acknowledge that people have different points of view on what the flag means and what it represents.
Closing Thoughts
The Virginia state flag has a rich history intertwined with pivotal events like secession and the Civil War. From its early designs to the standardized version we know today, the flag represents a journey through time, reflecting the Commonwealth’s evolving identity.
The flag, with its prominent Great Seal and the enduring motto “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” continues to symbolize Virginia’s values and unique heritage.
As Virginia moves forward, the state flag remains a powerful emblem, connecting its citizens to their past while inspiring them to embrace the future.