The Ulster flag

Each Irish province has its own flag! And Ulster on the island of Ireland is no exception! Although unofficial, it would represent Northern Ireland, i.e. the 6 counties under British management. The Ulster flag, though less internationally recognized than the Irish tricolor or the British Union Jack, is rich in history and symbolism. Back to an emblematic flag, also known as the “Ulster banner”.

The Ulster flag

History and origin

The Ulster Banner, also known as the Ulster flag or Northern Ireland flag, is inspired by the region’s historic coat of arms.

It was created in 1953 and used as the official flag of Northern Ireland by the Government of Northern Ireland until its abolition in 1973. However, it should be noted that the central symbol of the red hand has much older origins, associated with the historic coat of arms of the province of Ulster.

It features a red cross on a white background, with a crowned six-pointed star with a red hand at its center. This flag represented the government of Northern Ireland and was in common use until 1973, when it was replaced following the Northern Ireland Constitution Act.

The Ulster flag has its origins in the crest of the O’Neill family, a powerful Irish dynasty that ruled the region for centuries.

The red hand in the center of the flag is often associated with the legend of two kings competing for territory and racing each other in a boat. The first to touch down would be declared the winner.

One of the kings, seeing that he was going to lose, cut off his own hand and threw it on the shore, thus claiming victory.

Meaning and symbols :

The Ulster flag combines many codified elements. Here’s what they mean:

The red hand:

The most recognizable symbol of the Ulster flag is undoubtedly the “red hand”. Although often associated with the legend mentioned above, it is also a symbol of the O’Neill family and its enduring influence on the province.

La Croix de Saint-Georges :

On some flags, the red hand is surrounded by the cross of St. George, symbolizing English influence in the region, particularly after the planting of Ulster in the 17th century, when many English and Scottish settlers moved into the province.

La Couronne :

Above the red hand is sometimes a crown, symbolizing loyalty to the British monarchy, a recurring and divisive theme in Ulster history.

A controversial flag

A banner as a source of community tension in Northern Ireland

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