Newfoundland Tricolour

Historical Origins and Development

The Newfoundland Tricolour's origins are firmly rooted in the activities of the Newfoundland Fishermen's Star of the Sea Association, a Catholic aid society established in St. John's in 1871. The association's original banner, as specified in its first rules, was a green field with a white star and a pink cross at its centre, colours chosen for their liturgical significance within the Church. The vertical tricolour format of green, white, and pink emerged from this palette within the association's circles in the late 1880s or early 1890s. Historical analysis suggests the design may have been influenced by the then-unofficial Irish tricolour, with the orange stripe replaced by pink, a colour already established within the association. The flag's first public appearance in any form was in 1875, when members marched in St. John's wearing sashes of green, white, and pink during centenary celebrations for Irish nationalist Daniel O'Connell. Newspaper accounts from that event describe other flags, including one for the Newfoundland Natives' Society, but make no mention of a pink, white, and green tricolour flag, confirming its later adoption.

This development occurred alongside the history of another significant local flag, that of the Newfoundland Natives' Society. This non-denominational group, active from 1840 to 1866 to advance the interests of native-born Newfoundlanders, used a red, white, and green tricolour. Some historians speculate this older flag symbolized peace between Irish Catholic and English Protestant members within the society, with red and white representing the Tudor Rose of England. The NNS flag was widely recognized as a Newfoundland flag in the mid-19th century but fell into disuse after the society dissolved. The subsequent rise of the similar-coloured but distinct pink, white, and green flag of the Catholic association led to confusion between the two, a conflation that persists in some historical interpretations. The key distinction lies in the specific colours and their institutional origins, with the pink, white, and green being inextricably linked to Catholic fraternalism from its inception.

Popular Myths and Legends

A persistent and colourful legend, first published in a 1976 church newsletter, attributes the flag's creation to Bishop Michael Anthony Fleming in 1843 as a symbol of peace. This story claims Protestant and Catholic woodcutters, competing to supply fuel to local institutions, marked their piles with a pink rose flag and a green flag respectively. The tale states that Speaker of the House William Carson enlisted Bishop Fleming, who persuaded the groups to unite their banners with a white cloth representing peace, thus creating the tricolour. This narrative explicitly links the pink to the Protestant English via the Tudor rose and the green to the Catholic Irish via the shamrock. However, historians regard this as a myth fabricated much later, likely during the heated provincial flag debates of the 1970s, to garner broader support for the tricolour design by giving it an inclusive, non-sectarian origin story. There is no historical evidence that Bishop Fleming created such a flag, and the Tudor rose is red and white, not pink.

An earlier version of the legend, recorded by historians Devine and O'Mara in 1900, also involved Bishop Fleming but excluded Protestant representation entirely. In this account, the rivalry was between two factions of Catholics, Newfoundland-born 'Bush-borns' and Irish-born 'Old Country' men, during a wood haul for the Catholic cathedral. Fleming supposedly had them join their pink and green markers with white to quell violence. This version, which the historians conceded was based on unverified oral tradition, suggests the pink may have represented a 'natives' group within the Catholic community. The evolution of the legend demonstrates a clear effort, culminating in the 1976 story, to retroactively frame the flag as a symbol of unity between Newfoundland's major religious groups, despite its actual origins within a single denomination. This reinterpretation was part of a longer campaign to broaden the flag's appeal beyond its Catholic associations.

Promotion as a National Symbol

In the early 20th century, efforts were made to transform the Pink, White and Green from a Catholic association flag into a widely accepted national symbol for all Newfoundlanders. The leading figure in this campaign was Bishop Michael Francis Howley, the first Newfoundland-born Roman Catholic bishop and later Archbishop of St. John's. In 1902, he authored the poem 'The Flag of Newfoundland', which he proposed as an alternative national anthem to the British governor's 'Ode to Newfoundland'. Howley's poem provided symbolic meanings for the colours, explicitly attempting to incorporate Protestant representation by describing the pink as the 'rose of England' and the green as 'St. Patrick's emblem', the shamrock. This was a deliberate, though historically awkward, attempt to overcome the flag's perception as a sectarian Catholic and Irish nationalist symbol, as the rose of England is not pink and the colour had no prior association with Protestantism in Newfoundland. Howley's promotion of the flag coincided with its use as a symbol by those opposed to confederation with Canada, a position he and much of the Catholic clergy on the east coast supported.

This political linkage further entrenched the flag's association with a specific community and viewpoint in the eyes of many Protestants, who largely viewed it as a Roman Catholic and Irish nationalist banner. Consequently, while the flag gained significant social and commercial use in the St. John's area around the turn of the 20th century, it remained controversial and was never universally embraced as a national symbol. Its use was primarily confined to Catholic groups and events, and it faced official resistance, such as in 1907 when an official mail steamer was forced to replace the tricolour with the Newfoundland Red Ensign upon entering St. John's harbour. After the First World War, its use diminished as Newfoundlanders generally flew the Union Jack, which was legislated as the Dominion's official flag in 1931.

Modern Status and Usage

Following Newfoundland's confederation with Canada in 1949 and the subsequent adoption of an official provincial flag in 1980, the Pink, White and Green transitioned into its current role as an unofficial cultural emblem. The provincial government, under Premier Brian Peckford, officially adopted a new flag designed by artist Christopher Pratt on 28 May 1980. This flag, featuring blue, white, and red shapes derived from indigenous Beothuk and Innu pendants, was intended to have a visual resemblance to the Union Jack it replaced. With an official flag now representing the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the historic tricolour became generally considered the unofficial flag specifically of the island of Newfoundland. This distinction was reinforced by the introduction of an unofficial Labrador flag in 1974 and the province's official name change to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2001.

In recent decades, the Newfoundland Tricolour has undergone a notable revival in popular culture. It is now commonly displayed on clothing, souvenirs, and in public during cultural festivals and sporting events. A frequent modern misnomer labels it the 'Republic of Newfoundland flag', a historically inaccurate term as Newfoundland was a British Dominion and never a republic. Despite this, the flag's visual appeal and deep roots in local history have cemented its place as a beloved, if unofficial, symbol of Newfoundland identity. Its presence serves as a daily reminder of the island's unique social history and the complex interplay of culture, religion, and politics that shaped it.

Common Misconceptions and Clarifications

Several enduring misconceptions surround the Newfoundland Tricolour, often repeated in tourist materials and popular discourse. One claims the flag was flown at Government House during the administrations of Governors Boyle and Murray in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but period photographs show only the Union Jack and governmental ensigns, not the tricolour. Another apocryphal story alleges that explorer Captain Robert Bartlett planted the flag near the North Pole during Admiral Peary's 1909 expedition. In reality, Bartlett never came closer than 150 miles to the pole, and Peary completed the final leg without him. A more substantial historical confusion involves the flag's relationship to the Irish tricolour. A modern myth suggests the Irish flag was based on the Newfoundland design, citing a connection through Thomas Francis Meagher, whose father was Newfoundland-born. Historical records definitively show the green, white, and orange Irish tricolour was presented in Ireland in 1848, at least four decades before the Newfoundland pink, white, and green tricolour is confirmed to have existed.

The flag's colours are also frequently assigned symbolic meanings that originated in the 20th-century promotional efforts rather than its 19th-century creation. The common explanation that green represents Ireland, pink represents England's rose, and white represents Scotland's thistle or a hope for peace stems from Bishop Howley's 1902 poem and the later 1976 legend, not from the Star of the Sea Association's original intent. The association's own rules simply specify green, white, and pink as their official colours for banners and sashes, with pink being a Catholic liturgical colour. Understanding these clarifications is key to separating the flag's documented history from the layered myths that have grown around it, revealing a symbol whose true story is deeply woven into the social fabric of 19th-century St. John's.

Key Dates in the Flag's History

The Newfoundland Tricolour evolved from a fraternal banner to a cultural icon over more than a century. Its history is connected to major events in Newfoundland's political and social history. The flag's documented story begins with the formation of the Newfoundland Fishermen's Star of the Sea Association in 1871. The tricolour itself appears to have surfaced within that Association in the late 1880s.

• 1840: The Newfoundland Natives' Society is formed, using a red, white, and green tricolour flag.
• 1871: The Newfoundland Fishermen's Star of the Sea Association is founded in St. John's.
• 1875: The Association's colours are first displayed publicly on sashes and a banner in St. John's.
• Late 1880s: The green, white, and pink vertical tricolour flag first appears.
• 1902: Bishop Michael Francis Howley publishes his promotional poem, 'The Flag of Newfoundland'.
• 1907: Authorities order a mail steamer to replace the tricolour with the Newfoundland Red Ensign in St. John's harbour.
• 1931: The Union Jack becomes the legislated official flag of the Dominion of Newfoundland.
• 28 May 1980: The current official Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador is adopted.

The flag's prominence changed alongside Newfoundland's political status. It was used by groups opposed to confederation with Canada in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Union Jack was the official flag of the province from 1952 until 1980. After the adoption of the current provincial flag in 1980, the tricolour remained as an unofficial cultural symbol.

Symbolic Colours and Their Interpretations

The colours of the Newfoundland Tricolour have been given different meanings over time. Their original meaning was specific to the Newfoundland Fishermen's Star of the Sea Association. The Association's original banner had a green ground with a white star and a pink cross, and pink was a liturgical colour of the Catholic church. Later interpretations were invented to make the flag a symbol for all Newfoundlanders.

• Green (Original): The background colour specified for the Star of the Sea Association's original banner in 1871.
• Green (Later Interpretation): Said to represent Ireland or the shamrock, as described in Bishop Howley's 1902 poem.
• White (Original): The colour of the star on the Association's original banner.
• White (Later Interpretation): Represented peace in the 1976 legend, or Scotland's thistle in other popular explanations.
• Pink (Original): The colour of the cross on the Association's banner and a Catholic liturgical colour.
• Pink (Later Interpretation): Described as the 'rose of England' in Howley's 1902 poem, despite the Tudor rose being red and white.

The changing meanings show the tension between the flag's Catholic origins and later efforts to redefine it. In 1902, Bishop Michael Francis Howley wrote a poem proposing symbolic meanings for the colours to gain wider acceptance. He suggested green represented Ireland and pink represented the rose of England, though this was not historically accurate. These efforts were only somewhat successful in making the flag a national symbol.

Related Historical Flags of Newfoundland

The history of the Pink, White and Green involves other flags that have represented Newfoundland. The Newfoundland Natives' Society used a red, white and green tricolour in the mid-1800s. From 1931 to 1949, the Union Jack was the national flag of Newfoundland, and it was again the provincial flag from 1952 to 1980. The current official Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador was adopted on 28 May 1980.

• Newfoundland Natives' Society Flag (c. 1840 to 1866): A red, white, and green tricolour used by the non-denominational nationalist society.
• Newfoundland Red Ensign (pre-1931): The civil flag for Newfoundland vessels, featuring the Union Jack in the canton.
• Union Jack (1931 to 1980): The legislated official flag of the Dominion of Newfoundland and later the province until 1980.
• Unofficial Labrador Flag (1974 to present): A green, white, and blue horizontal tricolour with a spruce sprig, representing the mainland part of the province.
• Official Provincial Flag (1980 to present): The blue, white, and red design by Christopher Pratt adopted on 28 May 1980.

These various flags show the Pink, White and Green as one part of Newfoundland and Labrador's symbolic history. The tricolour is now generally considered the unofficial flag of the Newfoundland region of the province. It exists alongside the official provincial flag, which was designed by Christopher Pratt. Each flag marks a different chapter in the region's political and cultural story.

Questions about Newfoundland Tricolour

What is the connection between the Newfoundland Tricolour and the Irish flag?

The designs are similar vertical tricolours, leading to speculation. Historical evidence shows the Irish green, white, and orange tricolour was presented in 1848. The Newfoundland green, white, and pink tricolour first appeared in the late 1880s. It is likely the Newfoundland design was influenced by the then-unofficial Irish flag, with the orange replaced by pink, a colour already used by the Catholic association. A myth that the Irish flag was based on the Newfoundland design is historically inaccurate.

Why is it sometimes called the Republic of Newfoundland flag?

This is a modern misnomer. The label 'Republic of Newfoundland flag' is historically incorrect, as Newfoundland was never a republic. It was a British Dominion from 1907 until it joined Canada in 1949. The term appears on some modern merchandise, likely reflecting a contemporary romanticized or independent-minded view of Newfoundland's history, but it does not correspond to any official historical status for the flag or the island.

Where can you see the Newfoundland Tricolour today?

Today, the Newfoundland Tricolour is widely visible as a cultural symbol. It is commonly flown at community events, cultural festivals, and private residences, particularly on the island of Newfoundland. It is also frequently featured on commercial items like clothing, bumper stickers, and souvenirs. Its use signifies pride in Newfoundland's distinct heritage, though it is always displayed unofficially alongside or in place of the official provincial flag.

Is the Pink, White and Green the official flag of Newfoundland and Labrador?

No, the Pink, White and Green is not and has never been the official flag of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is an unofficial historic flag. The official provincial flag, adopted on 28 May 1980, is a design by Christopher Pratt featuring blue, white, and red shapes inspired by indigenous pendants. The tricolour is often mistakenly believed to have been an official flag, but it originated with the Newfoundland Fishermen's Star of the Sea Association in the late 19th century. Since the introduction of the official Labrador flag in 1974 and the province's name change in 2001, the green-white-pink tricolour is generally considered the unofficial flag of the Newfoundland region specifically.

What do the colours of the Newfoundland Tricolour represent?

The colours green, white, and pink were the official colours of the Newfoundland Fishermen's Star of the Sea Association, a Catholic aid organization founded in 1871. Their original banner was a green field with a white star and a pink cross, with pink being a liturgical colour of the Catholic church. The common modern interpretation that green represents Ireland, pink represents England's rose, and white represents peace or Scotland is a later invention. This interpretation was promoted in the early 20th century, notably in Bishop Michael Francis Howley's 1902 poem, to recast the flag as a symbol for all Newfoundlanders, but it is not part of the flag's original design intent from the Catholic association.

Did Bishop Michael Fleming really create the flag?

No, there is no historical evidence that Bishop Michael Anthony Fleming created the Pink, White and Green flag. The popular legend claiming he created it in 1843 as a peace symbol between Protestant and Catholic wood haulers was first published in a 1976 church newsletter. Historians consider this a mythical story, likely propagated during 1970s flag debates to gain broader support for the tricolour. The flag's actual documented origins are with the Newfoundland Fishermen's Star of the Sea Association, which was formed in 1871, and the tricolour design itself did not appear until the late 1880s, long after Fleming's time.

Sources and further reading

• Newfoundland Tricolour (Wikipedia)
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (gov.nl.ca)
• Welcome to Newfoundland and Labrador, Newfoundland and ... (newfoundlandlabrador.com)

Checked by the Novello Desserts desk. Last updated 2026-10-25.