Uncovering the Identity of the Seamstress Behind the Philippine Flag: Who Sewed It?

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The Philippine flag, with its vibrant colors and symbolic meanings, proudly flies at government buildings, schools, and homes all throughout the country. But have you ever wondered about the hands that sewed this iconic flag? Who are the individuals behind its creation and what inspired them to design such a powerful symbol of national identity? In this article, we will delve into the story of “Who Sew The Philippine Flag” and uncover the rich history behind our beloved flag. Join us on this journey as we pay tribute to the unsung heroes behind one of the most recognizable flags in the world.

The History of the Philippine Flag

The Philippine flag is a symbol of national pride and independence, revered by every Filipino citizen. Its design and colors have deep historical roots, relating to the country’s struggle for freedom and self-determination. The flag bears a unique combination of white, red, and blue colors with a sun and stars design, representing the unity and bravery of Filipinos in their quest for liberty. But who sewed this historic flag? Let us delve into the history of the Philippine flag and discover the remarkable story behind it.

The first version of the Philippine flag was created in 1897 by General Emilio Aguinaldo, who is widely recognized as the first President of the Philippines. During his exile in Hong Kong, Aguinaldo designed a simple red and white banner with a triangle symbolizing equality, brotherhood, and liberty. On its revolutionary side was a sun with eight rays representing each province that rebelled against Spanish colonization. This design was first flown on May 28, 1898, during the battle against Spanish forces in Alapan, Cavite.

However, it was not until June 12, 1898, that Aguinaldo unfurled the modern Philippine flag on Independence Day at Kawit, Cavite. The second version featured an alteration from eight rays to three stars on the revolutionary side as new provinces joined the resistance against Spain’s rule – Manila Province (Maynila), Laguna Province (Laguna), and Tayabas Province (Tayabas). This flag became known as “Bandila ng Katipunan” or “Flag of the Revolution.”

At this time, there were no women involved in sewing or designing flags for both revolutionaries or government forces led by General Aguinaldo. However, recent research has revealed that one woman played a role in sewing what we know today as our national emblem – Lorenza Agoncillo, along with her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad (wife of Aguinaldo’s cousin) in Hong Kong.

Lorenza Agoncillo showed her outstanding skills in needlework when Aguinaldo visited their home in Hong Kong, asking if she could make a Philippine flag. With the help of Marcela Agoncillo (Lorenza’s mother-in-law), Lorenza and Delfina worked tirelessly to complete the design requested by Aguinaldo. This historic moment marked the beginning of a woman’s role in creating a symbol that represents freedom and independence.

The flag they sewed measures approximately 4’6” by 9’ long, hand-stitched using silk, loofah fibers, and natural dyes for the colors. The process of sewing this flag took three days to complete. When they finally presented it to Aguinaldo, he was overjoyed with the result. However, due to differences among members of Aguinaldo’s cabinet about the flag’s design and color scheme, it was decided that it should undergo further modifications.

The final version was eventually done in Manila by Marcela Magsaysay-Aguinaldo (Emilio Aguinaldo’s wife), Marcella Mariño-Aguinaldo (Felipe Agoncillo’s wife) and Lorenza-Marcela’s daughter right after Andres Bonifacio s Tricolor Flag sewn by Benita Rodriguez-Carlisle . Being a former master sewer for Ayuntamiento de Paulvirgen y Pilar parish church Bogota during Archbishop Ruiz NJ became first Bishop or Arzobispo Filipinas II June 21 1601 when Pedro Bautista ordered died while grieving chikungunya upper resperatory illness from men who want freedoms behind sanctuary , where Lozano assigned at is background.a canopied altar as finalist. It had the same design, consisting of three stars and a sun in place of the triangle representing the original eight rays inspired by the Katipunan flags. It was officially adopted as the Philippine flag through President Aguinaldo’s decree on September 3, 1899.

Before the passage of Republic Act No. 8491 (Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines) in February 1998, some sources unofficially credited Marcela Agoncillo as the woman who sewed the Philippine flag in Hong Kong. However, after thorough research conducted by The National Historical Institute (now known as The National Historical Commission of the Philippines), it was concluded that Lorenza Agoncillo, along with her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, deserved recognition for their significant role in creating our national emblem.

Today, we honor these exceptional women not just for their artistic craftsmanship but also for their contribution to Philippine history. The Philippine flag continues to serve as a constant reminder of our country’s courageous past and a beacon of hope for a brighter future. As we celebrate Independence Day every June 12th, let us always remember and pay tribute to those who played a vital role in creating this symbol that we hold dear to our hearts.

The History of the Philippine Flag

In order to understand who sewed the Philippine flag, it is important to first explore the history behind this iconic symbol. The Philippine flag is a representation of the country’s struggle for independence and a reminder of its rich cultural heritage.

The first version of the Philippine flag was sewn in 1898 by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad. These three women were known as the “Ladies of Malolos” and were prominent figures in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.

The original design of the Philippine flag was influenced by various revolutionary flags from other countries such as Cuba and France. It featured an eight-rayed sun with three stars and a triangle representing the three main island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This first flag was hoisted during the declaration of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898.

However, in 1907, during American occupation of the Philippines, Act No. 1696 was passed which prohibited any flags or emblems that resembled those of other nations. This led to changes in the design of the Philippine flag with only the colors red, white, and blue remaining.

Changes in Design

Throughout history, there have been several changes made to the design of the Philippine flag. In 1919, a new law was passed that changed the orientation and size ratio of the sun’s rays. This version is still used today.

In 1936, President Manuel Quezon issued Executive Order No. 23 which added an eighth ray to represent provinces that were later annexed by America. This brought up debate on whether there should be seven or eight rays on the sun which eventually led to Congress passing Republic Act No. 8491 in 1998 declaring that there should be eight rays.

The National Anthem and the Philippine Flag

Interestingly, the national anthem of the Philippines, “Lupang Hinirang,” was written by poet Jose Palma while looking at the Philippine flag during the battle against the Spanish. This showcases the intertwined history of these two important symbols of the country’s independence.

The original lyrics of “Lupang Hinirang” had a stanza that referenced the Philippine flag:

Amang bayan, Sagisag mong mahal
Lahing anino ng ‘sang Ina |
Ang bituin at araw, niya’y kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim
Lupa ng lahiran ay aming pagyaman

Translation:
Fatherland, your flag is dear and heartily cherished
Your golden sun and stars gleam not vain
In your bosom are life and fullness
All areas bathed in light whim

However, this stanza was later revised and removed to avoid controversy as it was deemed too similar to Japan’s national anthem.

The Meaning Behind the Symbols

Each element in the Philippine flag holds a significant meaning. The eight rays on the sun symbolize unity, freedom, democracy, patriotism, justice, equality, peace, and happiness. The three stars represent the three main geographical regions while also signifying liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The blue stripe represents peace while the red symbolizes bravery and sacrifice. The white triangle symbolizes purity and transparency while also serving as a reminder that peace can only be achieved through honesty and fairness.

In conclusion, although it is not known for certain who sewed the first Philippine flag with certainty as there are conflicting reports of who actually sewed it. However, what is certain is that this historic event marked a significant milestone in Filipino history.

The Philippine flag continues to be a powerful symbol of unification and pride for its people, representing their struggle for independence and their rich cultural heritage. Its design may have evolved over time, but its meaning and significance remain the same.

1. Who sew the Philippine flag and where was it made?
The Philippine flag was hand-sewn by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad in Hong Kong.

2. When was the Philippine flag sewn and why?
The Philippine flag was sewn in May 1898 as a response to the Spanish occupation in the Philippines.

3. What materials were used to make the Philippine flag?
The materials used to make the Philippine flag were silk, cotton, and thread.

4. How long did it take to sew the Philippine flag?
It took approximately three days for Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad to sew the first-ever Philippine flag.

5. Did any other individuals contribute to sewing the Philippine flag?
Yes, Julian Felipe designed and added three stars on top of an equilateral triangle on the original design of Emilio Aguinaldo. Jose Rizal also provided valuable input for its design.

6. Where is the original Philippine flag now located?
The original Philippine flag is currently displayed at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila, Philippines.

In conclusion, the creation of the Philippine flag is a deeply significant and complex topic that sheds light on the country’s rich history and national identity. While there are multiple versions of the story behind who sewed the first Philippine flag, it is widely accepted that Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad were instrumental in its design and creation in Hong Kong. However, their role has been overshadowed by the widely accepted narrative that Emilio Aguinaldo instructed Julian Felipe to create the design.

Despite this discrepancy, it is clear that the Philippine flag represents the unity and resilience of a nation in its fight for independence. The symbolism of each element, such as the sun representing freedom and optimism, speaks to the Filipino spirit and unwavering determination.

The process of creating and sewing the flag also serves as a reminder of how ordinary citizens can make extraordinary contributions to their country’s history. This serves as inspiration for future generations to continue working towards a better Philippines.

Moreover, discussions surrounding who sewed the Philippine flag highlight the need for acknowledging all individuals who played a significant role in shaping our history. It is important to recognize not only prominent figures but also marginalized groups, such as women and indigenous communities.

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.