Like many other flags in nations around the world, Italy’s national flag has meaning in its design – particularly the three colors chosen for the flag. These colors were first used by the Cisalpine Republic in 1797 after the defeat of Milan. Red and white were the colors of Milan, while green was the color of the Milanese civic guard uniforms. However, some see the colors as holding more significance.

It is thought by many that the color green is representative of Italy’s land. White represents the snow-topped peaks of the Alps, while the res is representative of the bloodshed during the Wards of Italian Independence and Unification. However, some believe that the flag has more religious symbolism, with the three colors representing the virtues of hope, faith and charity.