subject: The Gadsden Flag - Patriotic Flags And Their Significance [print this page] The Gadsden Flag is a historical flag, with the image of a coiled timber rattle snake, that is ready to strike, with the motto "Don't tread on me". It is truly an unmistakable symbol of freedom, hence the Gadsden Flag has gained popularity in the past few years. In no way is it a substitute for the American flag, but it is still very powerful. You may have seen this flag in many places and if you have been curious about the historical relevance of the Gadsden flag, keep reading.
This flag was named originally after its designer "Colonel Christopher Gadsden", an American patriot from South Carolina. Colonel Christopher Gadsden was born in 1724, and his father was Thomas Gadsden. He was one of the three members of the Marine committee who decided to outfit and man the Alfred and its other ships. The history of the flag also involves the great Benjamin Franklin. As the British had a habit of sending violent criminals to the American colonies, Benjamin Franklin declared in an article in 1751, that the Colonies should return the favor by sending back shiploads full of rattlesnakes to England. He also drew a political cartoon, of a snake cut into eight parts, that read "Join or Die" on May 9th, 1954. This provoked a superstition that, if a snake was cut into eight parts, and if the pieces were joined back together before sunset the snake would come back to life.
The American Patriots believed that their individual rights were given by God and were natural; and these rights were neither granted by the government nor could they be taken away by the government. Any attempt to mess with these rights was considered as going against God. The rattlesnake image is quite fascinating and corresponds strongly with the way in which Americans portray themselves. The first recorded use of the rattlesnake as a symbol of defiance against British authority in the Colonies, was by none other than Benjamin Franklin again. Since there was no standard flag for America at that time, people chose their own flags; mainly consisting of various snakes. It was also to be noted that the rattles of the rattlesnake were individual yet connected.
This is exactly how the Americans view themselves individually, as separate states - but together as a nation. He stated "Tis curious and amazing to observe how distinct and independent of each other the rattles of this animal are, and yet how firmly they are united together, so as never to be separated but by breaking them to pieces. One of those rattles singly, is incapable of producing sound, but the ringing of thirteen together, is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living." After the revolution, rattlesnake flags became something of a rarity, as the congress preferred stars, stripes and other symbols.
How does this flag affect us, the people of today? These flags are steadily gaining popularity, which can only mean that there is an increasing awareness about what the government is taking away from us or forcing upon us. We are left with no choice but to get into a headlong battle for our founding liberties. The Gadsden Flag may seem like a strange symbol to project nowadays, but the message it sends across, is effective. And this is the real reason why it is gaining immense popularity. As Franklin mentioned, the rattle snake does not attack anyone unless provoked; once it is provoked it will not back down.
