Different flags for different countries, states and cities usually carry a certain meaning that is relevant to that place. The flags may be a historical symbol or it can signify some important of the areas socio-economic lifestyle. The city of Chicago also has a flag that has a unique meaning.
The Design and Colors of the Chicago Flag
The flag of Chicago features three white stripes, two white ones and four red stars lined horizontally in the middle of the middle white stripe. All of these features are significant in their own way.
1. White stripes: The top and bottom white stripes symbolize the north and south side of the city respectively. The white stripe at the center represents the west side of Chicago.
2. Blue stripes: the blue stripe which comes right after the top white one represents the North Branch of the Chicago River and it also represents Lake Michigan. The blue stripe below the white one at the center stands for the Great Canal and Chicago Rivers South Branch.
3. The stars: each of the four starts symbolizes an important historical, economic, social and cultural aspect of Chicago.
- The first star is a representation of Fort Dearborn which was added in 1939. The points are symbols of the citys labor, transport system, commerce, populousness, salubrity and finance.
- The second star stands for the Chicago fire that occurred in October 1871. the points of these star signify religion, education, esthetics, justice, beneficence and civic pride.
- The third star symbolizes the 1893 Columbian Exposition. The points have a historical significance for France, Britain, Virginia, Illinois Statehood, the Indian and Northwest Territory.
- The fourth star was added in 1933 and it is a symbol for the century of progress.
Guidebooks with Chicago travel ideas usually mention the Chicago flag. You can also get more information regarding the Chicago flag from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Chicago
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/illinois/
http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/flagtxt.html
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-il-ch.html#descr
