The flag of Morocco is a striking and recognisable emblem, defined by its bold red field and central green pentagram or five-pointed star. It is more than just a national symbol; the Moroccan flag represents centuries of history, cultural significance, and the nation’s identity. Each flag element has a deep meaning rooted in Morocco’s religious, political, and historical context.
Design and Symbolism
The flag of Morocco consists of a plain red background with a green five-pointed star, known as the Seal of Solomon, at its centre. Each colour and symbol holds a profound meaning:
Red Field: The red background is historically associated with the Alaouite dynasty, the ruling family of Morocco, which claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad. Red is also a colour that symbolises bravery, strength, and sacrifice. Throughout history, it has been connected to various Moroccan dynasties, signifying power and authority.
Green Pentagram: The green star at the centre of the flag has strong spiritual significance. Green is considered the colour of Islam, representing peace, wisdom, and hope. The five points of the star are often seen as a symbol of the five pillars of Islam, reflecting Morocco’s deep-rooted Islamic faith. The star itself, known as the Seal of Solomon, is a historic symbol believed to have magical properties and to offer protection from evil.
Colour Specifications of the Flag
The legal definition of the Moroccan flag specifies that its colours are bright red for the field and palm green for the central star. However, there are no officially published precise colour codes. The colours used in the Moroccan flag illustration on the Kingdom’s website are provided with rough equivalents for printing purposes in RGB, CMYK, and Pantone formats. Below is the flag’s colour scheme:
| Colour Scheme | Bright Red | Palm Green |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | 193-39-45 | 0-98-51 |
| Hexadecimal | #c1272d | #006233 |
| CMYK | 0, 80, 77, 24 | 100, 0, 48, 62 |
| Pantone | 7620 C | 3425 C |
These specifications are used for reproduction and printing to ensure the flag’s appearance consistency.
Brief History About the Flag of Morocco
The flag of Morocco has a rich history that reflects the country’s dynastic changes, religious significance, and political developments.
The red field of the flag has been associated with Morocco for centuries, especially with the ruling Alaouite dynasty, which came to power in the 17th century and still rules today. Red was also a prominent colour for previous Moroccan dynasties, symbolising power, courage, and connection to the Prophet Muhammad.
The green pentagram or Seal of Solomon was added to the flag in 1915, during the era of the French protectorate. This addition was intended to distinguish Morocco’s flag from other red banners in the region, particularly those associated with the Ottoman Empire. The green star is significant in Islamic tradition, symbolising peace, knowledge, and the five pillars of Islam.
Morocco gained independence from French and Spanish rule in 1956, and the flag, with its red field and green pentagram, was retained as the national symbol. It continues to represent the country’s Islamic heritage, monarchy, and the unity of its people today.
