The Secret History Behind Haiti's Flag
Haiti's flag was born when a general tore the white out of the French flag.
At the Congress of Arcahaie, on May 18, 1803, Jean-Jacques Dessalines took the French tricolor, ripped out the white center and asked Catherine Flon, his goddaughter, to sew the blue and red together. The two colors were meant to show the union of Black and mixed-race Haitians in the fight for freedom.
On January 1, 1804, Haiti declared independence and became the first country founded by a successful revolt of enslaved people. The colors were arranged as horizontal bands.
The flag changed over the years, and the version flown today, with the arms and the motto "L'Union fait la force" (Unity makes strength) in a white panel, was reinstated in 1986. Haitians celebrate Flag Day every year on May 18.
The date printed on every Haiti design in our catalog, January 1, 1804, is the day of independence.
A torn flag, a sewn one, and a motto that is still the country's promise.
Looking for a gift with a story? See our heritage gift guide, or read the story behind any other country's flag on our free Flag Stories page.