Description
Iran/Persia Sun & Lion Hand Waver Flag. Made in Australia.
The Sun and Lion is an ancient Iranian emblem on the Iran flag. It was on the flag throughout various dynasties that ruled Iran until after the unfortunate Islamic Revolution in, 1980. It first appeared on the official flag of Iran during the Safavid Dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries.
There are different beliefs and opinions about the background of the Lion and Sun motif in Iran.
The State Hermitage Museum holds historical evidence of the lion and the sun flag. It is a stamp showing King Artaxerxes II (445 – 359/8 BC) facing the goddess Anahita (the deity of “the Waters” and hence associated with fertility, healing, and wisdom) who sits atop a lion. In the background of Anahita, there is a clear display of the sun that represents Mehr or Mitra, the ancient Iranian deity of sun, light, and covenant.
The Sun, the source of life, has always been portrayed as a beautiful round smiley female face in drawings. “Khurshid” is the Farsi word for sun alongside Anahita and Mitra which are names for daughters in Persian/Parsi/Farsi. And the Persian Lion which is native to ancient Persia (Middle East) has always been portrayed as a symbol of power even in captivity.
To learn about Iran’s Sun & Lion flag, read the following blog posts:
- Iran Flag History
- History Through Caricatures
- “The Lion and Sun Motif” by Dr. Kaveh Farrokh presents a brief analysis of the motif which I also find very informative.
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