The Haitian flag has endured many changes over the span of two centuries. As Haiti celebrates a new era, this illustrated post reflects on the most memorable Haitian flags.
© 2011 Mandaly
Tale of the Haitian flag
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| Early 1500's On crowded shabby boats, They arrived in chains, from afar. Replacing the natives Who succumbed under forced labor. ☼ |
 Early 1790's |
| Fighting back oppression Became their primal desire. The drum beat and conch call Harmonized with their warring cries. ☼ |
 Late 1790's |
| Revolution arose. “A banner to lead us!” they begged. Up went the tricolor. “Onward!” they cried, waving it high. ☼ |
 Year 1802 |
| Soon it was apparent, Flaunting the enemy’s banner They were branded for life, Their identity undefined. ☼ |
 Year 1803 |
| “Comrades!” called their leader, "Let’s make this flag our contention." He tore out the white stripe, Wrote down these words: Freedom or Death. ☼ |
 Year 1805 |
| Some of them came to think, “Out with the blue, the bourgeoisie." Our flag shall bid our plight, Skin and blood, death and victory. ☼ |
 Mid 1860s |
| The emblem, they agreed, Must reflect pride, not affliction. They raised the blue and red, The stripes riding the horizon. ☼ |
 Year 1964 |
| It’s said, “Beyond mountains, You will come upon more mountains." *Négritude supporters Once more imposed the black and red. ☼ |
 Year 1987 |
| They took one final stand Against the father and son's reign, Stood as one, and once more Proudly hoisted the blue and red. ☼ *Négritude was a literary and ideological movement started by black intellectuals, writers, and politicians in the 1930s for the purpose of affirming the black race and the worth of African history. |
