Trinacria: the symbol of Sicily
Have you visited Sicily? Then you must have noticed the island's distinctive symbol. It consists of three bent legs, three stalks of wheat, and a strange-looking female head. The symbol is displayed everywhere: on flags, postcards, magnets, coffee cups, doors, et cetera. You can't miss it. But what does it stand for? Let me tell you!
The symbol is known as 'Trinacria,' which originates from the Greek word for 'three-pointed' or 'three-legged.' It was the earliest known name of the island of Sicily and referred to the triangular shape of the island. The name was revived during the Sicilian Vespers (1282) when it came to be re-interpreted as a name for the Sicilian symbol itself.
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The Trinacria is characterized by the presence of a triskele. This ancient motif originally consists of a triple spiral exhibiting rotational symmetry. In the Trinacria, however, the spirals have been replaced by three legs that are said to represent Sicily's capes: Peloro, Passero, and Lilibeo.
But why legs? Nobody really seems to know. Some say the symbolic use of legs comes from Spartan warriors who carved a white bent leg in their shields to symbolize strength. Combine three of them in rotational symmetry, and no matter how the figure is turned, it will always stand. The Trinacria would thus symbolize not only strength but also intransigence.
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In the center of the Trinacria, you can see the head of Medusa. In Greek mythology, she was one of three fearsome Gorgons. Their monstrous personalities were mirrored externally by their wings, scale-covered bodies, and living venomous snakes instead of hair. Those who gazed into the eyes of a Gorgon would immediately turn to stone.
According to legend, Medusa was killed by Perseus, who gifted Medusa's severed head to Athena. Athena then magically put the head into her shield (the Aegis) so that anyone who looked at it would be petrified. It made the shield one of the most feared items of mythology.
Like Athena's shield, the head of Medusa in the center of the Sicilian Trinacria warns potential attackers. At the same time, it is a reference to the goddess Athena, the protectress of Sicily.
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Sometimes the Trinacria contains a Medusa with shafts of wheat on her head (instead of snakes). Together with the three stalks of grain that sit between the three legs, it represents the island's fertility and its role as the granary of the Roman Empire.
As you may have noticed, the Trinacria is also depicted on the Sicilian flag. The flag's background is bisected diagonally, resulting in a yellow and red half. These colors refer to the two towns that started the Sicilian Vespers: Palermo (red) and Corleone (yellow).
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Surpised there is so much history behind the Sicilian symbol? Now that you know, next time you visit Sicily, be sure to bring home a souvenir with the Trinacria on it!