The Macedonian Sun

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The Macedonian Sun

The Macedonian Sun is undoubtedly the oldest symbol in the world that still survives as cultural symbol of the Macedonians. This 8-rayed and 16-rayed Macedonian Sun had been cherished by the Macedonians for over 3,000 years.

It appears on the coins, military equipment, and art of the ancient Macedonian kingdom, and continued to be National Insignia of the Macedonians throughout history to modern times. The Macedonian sun is found in the icons and frescoes in the churches throughout the whole territory of divided Macedonia, and speaks of volumes of tradition as the Macedonian nation had cherished it for centuries.

Detail from a Painting in a Macedonian Tomb Macedonian Shield

The Mother of God(11^th century)

Ohrid

The Mother of God(13^th century)

Ohrid

Virgin (14th Century)

Ohrid

The Mother of God Pelagonitisa 1422

Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration, Zrze – Prilep

Mother of God with Christ (16^th century)

Monastery of St John Forerunner, Slepce – Demir Hisar

Bellow are two Macedonian ethnologic decorative objects that contain the Macedonian Sun symbol. These are jewelry, a specific part of the numerous Macedonian women's folk costumes. On the left is the "tepelak" from the 18th century bearing the eight rayed Macedonian Sun, and on the right is the "pafta" from the 19th century bearing the sixteen-rayed Sun.

"Tepelak" (18^th century) and "Pafta" (19^th century)

Macedonia became independent country in 1991 and on its flag adopted the ancient old Macedonian Sun. To commemorate the independence, the Macedonian postal system issued a stamp depicting the Macedonian flag in 1992.

Flag of independent Macedonia 1991

Stamp of the Republic of Macedonia

Poster of the upcoming film Alexander