Flag of Northern Ireland 

When the state of Northern Ireland was created in 1920, six of the nine countries located on the northern island of Ireland elected to become one country under one government. Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone elected to become a nation, while Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan decided to stay as part of the United Kingdom.

In 1924 the Royal Warrant granted arms to the Government of Northern Ireland. With this came the right to display the arms as a flag or banner of their choosing. This right was exercised in 1953, with Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

Sir Gerald Wollaston designed the flag with a white field bearing the cross of St. George and on the centre of the cross, a white six-pointed star. Within the star was the red hand of Ulster and above it, the crown of St. Edward

The government and parliament (the Stormont) of Northern Ireland was abolished under the Constitution of Northern Ireland Government Act in 1973 after a long period of social unrest. The Union Jack is now again the official flag of Northern Ireland.

The Symbolic Meaning

While the Cross of St. George and the Crown of St. Edward are used to show allegiance to England, the red hand of Ulster and the six-pointed star are used to represent Ireland.

Each of the six-points of the star represents one of the original countries (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone) 

The use of the right hand is thought to represent one of Ireland’s more popular legends. According to legend, two chieftains trying to decide who would rule the land engaged in a rqce to determine the better ruler. The rules of the race were simple, the first person to ail the course and touch the ground with his right hand would win..

Though the race was close, toward the end one of the chieftains, a lefthander, saw he was likel;y to lose. He drew his sword and cutting of his right hand, he threw it upon the shore before his rival could land, thereby winning the race.