Flag of Philadelphia facts for kids
The flag of Philadelphia is the official flag for the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It has a unique design with three vertical stripes. The two outer stripes are blue, and the middle stripe is yellow. In the center of the yellow stripe, you'll find the official city seal. The flag's colors, blue and yellow, remind us of the early Swedish settlers who first came to the Philadelphia area. The blue color used is similar to the "UN Blue" found on the United Nations flag.
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Understanding the Flag's Design
The flag of Philadelphia is divided into three equal parts. The first and third parts are a bright blue, and the middle part is a golden yellow. The city's official seal is placed right in the center of this yellow stripe. Sometimes, flags flown by groups other than the city government might not have the seal. The flag is usually about 10 feet long and 6 feet wide, or similar sizes.
Why Blue and Yellow?
The blue and yellow colors on the flag are very important. They honor the first European settlers in the Philadelphia area. These settlers were from Sweden, and they established a colony called New Sweden in the 1600s. The colors on the flag are a way to remember this early history of the city.
The Philadelphia City Seal
The city seal is a very important part of the flag. It was designed by Henry Christopher McCook and officially adopted by the City Council in 1874. The seal has several symbols, each with its own meaning.
What the Seal's Symbols Mean
The main part of the seal shows a blue background. On it, there's a golden band with a plough above it and a ship with full sails below.
- The plough represents farming and the rich land around Philadelphia.
- The ship symbolizes trade and commerce, showing Philadelphia's importance as a port city.
Above these symbols, there's a crest. It shows a right arm holding a pair of scales.
- The scales represent justice and fairness.
On either side of the main shield, there are two female figures. These are called supporters.
- The woman on the right wears white and purple and has an olive wreath on her head. She holds a scroll with an anchor. She represents Peace.
- The woman on the left wears white and blue and holds a cornucopia, which is a horn overflowing with fruits and flowers. She represents Plenty, meaning abundance and prosperity.
At the bottom of the seal, there is a motto: "PHILADELPHIA MANETO." This Latin phrase means "Let Philadelphia Remain." It's a wish for the city to continue to thrive and endure.
Images for kids
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The flag of America and the flag of Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
