The green on Ireland’s flag is thought to represent the country’s Catholic population as well as to symbolize revolution. It’s thought to have been taken from an earlier version of the Irish flag that was solid green with a gold harp in its center, this earlier flag having been used by revolutionaries to symbolize Irish nationalism.
The white center of Ireland’s flag is thought to represent peace and the everlasting hope that the country’s Protestant and Catholic populations can live together in harmony.
Each of the colors on the Irish flag has a distinct meaning. Used for William of Orange, or King William III of England, Scotland and Ireland, the color orange is thought to symbolize Ireland’s Protestant population. A Protestant King, William III is most well known for defeating the dethroned King James II, a Roman Catholic, at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, giving Protestants control over Ireland.
The next time you see the flag of Ireland hanging outside a restaurant or on a t-shirt, remember where it came from. You may even impress your friends with your knowledge!