Eleftheria i thanatos (Greek:Ελευθερία ή θάνατος,IPA:[elefθeˈri.aiˈθanatos]; 'Freedom or Death') is themotto ofGreece.[1][2] It originated in the Greek songs of resistance that were powerful motivating factors for independence. It was adopted in 1814 by theFiliki Eteria, a secret organization formed specifically for the overthrow ofOttomanrule.
The motto arose during theGreek War of Independence in the 1820s, where it was awar cry for theGreeks who rebelled againstOttoman rule.[3] It was adopted after theGreek War of Independence and is still in use today. One explanation for the 9 stripes on theGreek flag is that they represent the nine syllables of the motto, five blue stripes for the syllablesEleftheria and four white stripes fori thanatos.[4][5] The motto symbolized and still symbolizes the resolve of the people of Greece against tyranny and oppression.
Part of the emblem of theFiliki Eteria were two flags with the lettersΗΕΑ andΗΘΣ; These representΉΕλευθερίΑΉΘάνατοΣ, 'Either Freedom, or Death'.[6][7] This is also the motto of the4th Infantry Division of theGreek Army.[8]
Nikos Kazantzakis' novelCaptain Michalis was subtitledFreedom or Death, which became its title in the United States, Germany, France, and other countries.
The Greek revolt was precipitated on March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese. The cry "Freedom or Death" became the motto of the revolution. The Greeks experienced early successes on the battlefield, including the capture of Athens in June 1822, but infighting ensued.
Symbols ofGreece | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National symbols |
|  | |||
| Other symbols |
| ||||
| Natural | |||||
| Monuments | |||||
| Music | |||||
| National poets |
| ||||
| National epics |
| ||||
| Cuisine | |||||
| Patron Saints/Religion | |||||
| Former national symbols | |||||
