National Flag of Bermuda (1967)

Bermuda defaced the British Red Ensign, with a badge featuring its coat of arms, to create its own flag.  

It has the distinction of being the first British colony to deface and fly the Red Ensign. The arms were granted to Bermuda in October 1910 and the flag, introduced in 1915, was given an unofficial status for several decades until it was officially approved in October 1967.

The arms depict a lion holding a shield, which in turn depicts a ship crashing into cliffs in high seas.  

The Symbolic Meaning

The British Red Ensign, incorporating the Union Flag or Union Jack in the hoist, indicates Bermuda's historical association with Great Britain.

The red lion is symbolic of British authority. The shield held by the red lion illustrates the sailing ship Sea Venture, crashing against the rugged coastline of Bermuda in 1606.  

The survivors of the wrecked Sea Venture were the first inhabitants of Bermuda and claimed the island for Great Britain.  

The verdant grass upon which the lion is seated represents the lush growth on the island.