What does the Southern Cross represent on the New Zealand flag?
The Union Jack reflects New Zealand’s origins as a British colony. The Southern Cross constellation is one of the striking features of the Southern Hemisphere sky, and has been used to represent New Zealand, among other Southern Hemisphere colonies, since the early days of European settlement.
What is the symbolism of the Southern Cross?
The Southern Cross was an important symbol for the Egyptians, as it represented the place where Horus, the Sun-goddess, was crucified, marking the passage of winter. The Aborigines and Maori saw the Southern Cross as symbolizing animist spirits that were integral in their ancestral beliefs.
Why does New Zealand have 2 flags?
Visiting schools are surprised to learn that NZ has two flags! Te Kara’s official name is the Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand – Te Kara o Te Whakaminenga o Nga Hapu o Nu Tireni. As trading grew between New South Wales and New Zealand, there arose the need for an official flag for ships.
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 is the Southern Cross upside-down?
The cross changes position in the sky as the earth rotates. For example, on 1 April it is upright and high overhead, while on 1 October it is upside-down and low in the sky. Because the Southern Cross can be seen all year round, people use it for navigation. It is especially useful for finding the direction south.
What is the Southern Cross called?
Crux
Crux, (Latin: Cross) , also called the Southern Cross, constellation lying in the southern sky at about 12 hours 30 minutes right ascension and 60° south declination and visible only from south of about latitude 30° N (i.e., the latitude of North Africa and Florida).
What did Māori call the Southern Cross?
They point us the direction of the Southern Cross. Here in Aotearoa, Māori call this constellation Te Pae Mahutoka, and see it as an anchor for a great sky waka. The Southern Cross is important for navigation, because it can be used to find south.
Is Southern Cross Care Catholic?
We were founded as a not-for-profit organisation by the Knights of the Southern Cross, a Catholic community group.
Is it disrespectful to fly the flag upside down NZ?
The New Zealand flag was flying upside-down on Government Buildings yesterday. Flying a flag upside-down is recognised internationally as a signal of distress.
What is the Whakaputanga flag?
King William IV approved the design and Te Kara o Te Whakaminenga o Nga Hapu o Nu Tireni became New Zealand’s first national flag to be used at sea and on land. This was the flag that Busby had designed. Many of the chiefs involved in selecting the United Tribes flag went on to sign He Whakaputanga!
Why is the Southern Cross upside down?
Should New Zealand change its flag to the Southern Cross?
Relatedly, debate about changing the flag has often arisen in connection with the issue of republicanism in New Zealand. The Southern Cross constellation is depicted on other flags, such as the flag of Australia —although in Australia’s case there are six all-white stars, while New Zealand’s four stars have red centres.
Why is the Southern Cross on flags and coats of arms?
Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. 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.
What is the difference between New Zealand and Australia’s Southern Cross?
Another minuscule difference in the star arrangement of the two countries is that the New Zealand flag and its Southern Cross stars only have five points, compared to those of the Australian Southern Cross that have seven (except for the smallest star.)
What does the Southern Cross constellation represent?
The Southern Cross constellation is one of the striking features of the Southern Hemisphere sky, and has been used to represent New Zealand, among other Southern Hemisphere colonies, since the early days of European settlement.
