The Southern Cross is shown on the flag in white. It is a constellation of five stars that can only be seen from the southern hemisphere and is a reminder of Australia’s geography .
Why is the Southern Cross Australian?
In 1854 miners rebelling against their treatment on the Ballarat goldfields invoked the Southern Cross as a symbol of freedom against the tyranny of colonial authorities , and of loyalty to the continent of Australia. They stood beneath a flag stitched with a Southern Cross that became known as the Eureka flag.
When was the Southern Cross added to the Australian flag?
| Proportion 1:2 | Adopted First used on RAN ships in 1967 . | Design A defaced British White Ensign without the cross. The cross is replaced with the Southern Cross and the Commonwealth Star/Federation Star. | Variant flag of Australia | Name Royal Australian Air Force Ensign |
Why do flags have the Southern Cross?
The Southern Cross or Crux, a constellation visible in the Southern Hemisphere, is depicted on flags and coats of arms of various countries and sub-national entities. This star constellation is visible mostly in the southern hemisphere and it therefore symbolises the southern location of its users.
Why the flag of Australia and New Zealand display the constellation Southern Cross?
Both Australia and New Zealand chose the Southern Cross constellation for their flags . ... The colours of the stars on both flags were chosen to complement the colours of the Union Jack shown in the top left-hand corner of both flags.
What is the story behind the Southern Cross?
“Southern Cross” is based on the song “Seven League Boots” by Rick and Michael Curtis . Stills explained, “The Curtis Brothers brought a wonderful song called ‘Seven League Boots,’ but it drifted around too much. ... The song title and lyrics reference the Crux constellation, known as the Southern Cross.
Is the Southern Cross always visible in Australia?
Its position near the South Celestial Pole means the Southern Cross is almost always visible from anywhere in Australia , and because the long line of the cross points south it has always been a favourite for navigating – or just for showing off on camping trips. Learn how to use the Southern Cross to find south.
Who represents Queen Elizabeth II when she is not in Australia?
Section 61 of the constitution states that “The executive power of the Commonwealth is vested in the Queen and is exercisable by the Governor‐General as the Queen’s representative, and extends to the execution and maintenance of this Constitution, and of the laws of the Commonwealth.” Section 2 provides that a governor ...
Why does Australian flag have 6 stars?
The Stars. The Commonwealth Star is the emblem of Australian Federation. Six points represent the states and the seventh all the federal territories which together constitute the nation, the Commonwealth of Australia . The constellation of the Southern Cross indicates our geographical location in the southern hemisphere ...
What are the 3 Australian flags?
Australia has a national flag but also recognises other flags, including state and territory flags, the Aboriginal flag, the Torres Strait Islander flag, Defence Force Ensigns and the Australian Red Ensign (flown at sea by Australian registered merchant ships).
What flags have the Southern Cross?
The Southern Cross features on the flags of five nations . In order from the top of this montage, they are New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Samoa and Papua New Guinea.
What does the Southern Cross tattoo mean?
The Southern Cross as a symbol began with the miners uprising against the Government near Ballarat, at the Eureka Stockade in 1854. ... The flag for many represented a “fair go” . Realistically, not only did it symbolise unity for many, but also division.
What is the only Australian state whose flag contains the Southern Cross?
The five white stars of the fly of the flag represent the Southern Cross. The Southern Cross (or Crux) is the brightest constellation visible in the Southern Hemisphere and has been used to represent Australia and New Zealand since the early days of British settlement.
Why are there 4 stars on the New Zealand flag?
The flag of New Zealand is a defaced Blue Ensign with the Union Flag in the canton, and four red stars with white borders to the right. The stars’ pattern represents the asterism within the constellation of Crux , the Southern Cross. ... In this referendum, the country voted to keep the existing flag by 57% to 43%.
What is the difference between the Australian and New Zealand flags?
The difference between Australia and New Zealand flag is, of course, the number of stars . Australia’s flag has six white stars, while New Zealand’s four star Southern Cross is in red.
What is the difference between Australia flag and New Zealand flag?
The flag is (somewhat) different
Yes, both flags feature the Southern Cross star on the right-hand side. BUT the Australian flag has two extra stars – a small one near the cross and a big one under the Union Jack. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s flag has just four stars but they are red with a white outline.
