Flag of Portugal

The current Flag of Portugal was officially adopted in 1911, but had in fact been in use since the Republican revolution of 5 October 1910.

The red colour in the flag symbolizes the land conquered from the Muslims. The green represents the woods of Portugal.

The circular design is an armillary sphere, symbolizing the Discoveries Age of Discovery (?).

The five white points in the five shields in the center of the flag refer to a legend concerning the first King of Portugal. The story tells that that before the Battle of Ourique (26 July 1139), King Afonso was praying for the protection of the Portuguese people when a vision of Jesus on the cross appeared to him. King Afonso won the battle and, in gratitude, incorporated Christ's five wounds into his flag.

The seven castles are a symbol of the Portuguese people's victories over their enemies.

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