Flag of Bermuda

The flag of Bermuda is a unique and historically significant emblem that stands out among the flags of British Overseas Territories. Its design, a striking Red Ensign with the Bermuda coat of arms, tells a captivating story of maritime heritage, British influence, and the island's unique identity. Adopted on October 4, 1910, and later modified, the flag is not just a national symbol but a visual representation of the island's distinct place in the world, combining its strong British ties with its own rich history. The flag’s status as a Red Ensign is a rare distinction and a source of great pride for the people of Bermuda.

Design and Symbolism: A Tale of Shipwreck and Resilience

The flag of Bermuda is a Red Ensign, a design historically used by British merchant ships and later adopted by some colonies. It consists of a red field with the Union Jack in the canton (the upper hoist corner) and the coat of arms of Bermuda in the fly (the right side).

• The Red Ensign: The use of the red field is a key feature of the flag. Most British Overseas Territories use a Blue Ensign, a standard for government use. Bermuda’s use of the Red Ensign is a testament to its strong maritime and naval history, reflecting its past as a crucial port and its ongoing connection to British merchant shipping.

• The Union Jack: The presence of the Union Jack in the canton is a clear and powerful symbol of Bermuda's status as a British Overseas Territory. It represents the island's constitutional ties to the United Kingdom, the Crown, and the British Commonwealth.

• The Coat of Arms: The coat of arms is the most distinctive element of the flag and is rich in symbolism. It was granted to Bermuda by King Edward VII in 1910.

  • The Red Lion: The coat of arms features a red lion (a symbol of Great Britain) holding a shield. This lion stands on a scroll bearing the motto. The lion is a direct link to the British identity and the Crown.

  • The Shield: The shield is a white field with a depiction of a shipwrecked vessel on a green rock. This imagery is not a sign of tragedy but a historical reference to a pivotal event. It is a depiction of the shipwreck of the Sea Venture, the flagship of the Virginia Company, which ran aground on Bermuda's reefs in 1609.

  • The "Sea Venture" Shipwreck: The shipwreck of the Sea Venture is a central part of Bermuda’s founding story. The survivors of the wreck became the first permanent settlers of the island. This event is seen not as a disaster but as the providential origin of the island's English settlement. It symbolizes Bermuda's resilience, its humble beginnings, and the strength of its people to overcome adversity.

• The Motto: Below the shield, a banner displays the Latin motto, "Quo Fata Ferunt," which translates to "Whither the Fates Carry [Us]." This motto reinforces the story of the Sea Venture, whose fate was determined by the storm that brought them to Bermuda. It is a powerful phrase that speaks to the island’s destiny and its journey through history.

History and Creation: A Unique Path

Bermuda's flag has a long history that predates its formal adoption. Historically, the island used various British ensigns. The current flag's design was officially adopted on October 4, 1910, when the Bermuda legislature decided to place the newly granted coat of arms on a red ensign. A minor but significant change was made in 1969 when the coat of arms was slightly enlarged to be more visible, but the overall design has remained a consistent symbol of the island’s identity. The flag’s status as a Red Ensign, rather than the more common Blue Ensign, is a historical anomaly. This special status was formally granted in 1910 in recognition of Bermuda's role as a major maritime trading hub and naval base for the Royal Navy.

Size and Proportions

The flag of Bermuda has a standard width-to-length ratio of 1:2, consistent with the standard for most British ensigns. This proportion is a key element of its design, ensuring that the Union Jack in the canton and the coat of arms are displayed correctly and in their proper relation to the red field.

Interesting Facts and Significance

The flag of Bermuda is a fascinating blend of British tradition and local history.

• A Rare Red Ensign: Bermuda is one of the few British Overseas Territories that uses a Red Ensign for its official flag. This is a unique distinction that sets it apart from territories like Gibraltar or the Falkland Islands, which use Blue Ensigns. This emphasizes the island’s strong private maritime traditions and its historical ties to the Royal Navy.

• The "Sea Venture" Story: The shipwreck of the Sea Venture in 1609 is one of the most famous events in Bermuda's history. The story, a dramatic tale of survival, inspired William Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest." The flag is therefore a direct link to a piece of world literary history.

• A Symbol of Identity: The flag is a powerful symbol of Bermuda’s identity, celebrated on holidays and official occasions. It is a source of immense pride for Bermudians, symbolizing their resilience, their unique culture, and their constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom.

Significance for the People

For Bermudians, the flag is much more than a symbol of their political status. It is a banner that tells their founding story, a testament to the strength and determination of their ancestors who survived the shipwreck and built a new life on the island. The red field represents the life and energy of the island, the Union Jack their enduring ties to the UK, and the coat of arms is a constant reminder of their unique origin and motto. The flag is a source of collective pride and a beacon of their heritage, unity, and shared destiny.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.