Why Does Brazil’s Flag Have 27 Stars?
Brazil’s flag contains 27 stars arranged as constellations. Each star represents one state or the Federal District, while the pattern is based on the sky over Rio de Janeiro at the birth of the Republic.
Why are the stars arranged like constellations?
The stars reproduce selected constellations from the sky over Rio de Janeiro around the time of the proclamation of the Republic on November 15, 1889.
Why does the sky look reversed?
The celestial sphere is represented as if viewed from outside it, which makes the arrangement appear mirrored compared with a normal view from Earth.
Which constellations appear?
The current flag includes stars from nine constellations, including the Southern Cross, Scorpius, Virgo, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Carina, Hydra, Octans and Triangulum Australe.
What is the star above “Ordem e Progresso”?
The lone star above the white motto band is Spica, in the constellation Virgo. It represents the state of Pará.
Did the flag always have 27 stars?
No. The republican flag originally had fewer stars because Brazil had fewer federal units. The current total of 27 was established after new states were created, with updates made under national flag law.
Can the number change again?
Yes. Brazilian law provides for the flag’s stars to be updated if a state is created or extinguished, preserving the rule that each federal unit is represented.
