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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.
Macedonian sun on a gold larnax found in a Macedonian Tomb near Salonika
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.
Macedonian military shield with the Macedonian sun from a painting in a Macedonian Tomb
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. Below pictures courtesy of agema-makedonin:
Church of St. Demitrija in Bitola Macedonia, built in 1830
Macedonian sun on the hand of god in St. Mother of God Perivlepta 1290 from Ohrid
Village Razlovci 1850
Gates of a church from 1750's from Prilep, Macedonia
The Macedonian Sun is very present in the Macedonian Christian icons that show Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.
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.
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
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