page_title: Flag of Martinique
section_title: Snake flag
hierarchical_section_title: Flag of Martinique / Snake flag
context_page_description: Martinique, an overseas territorial collectivity of France located in the Caribbean, has no flag with official status other than the French national flag.
  The local council has adopted a flag in 2019 to be used in international events to represent Martinique sports teams, cultural associations, and other bodies.
context_section_description: The "snake flag" (drapeau aux serpents) features a white cross on a blue field with a white snake in each quarter. These are fer-de-lance vipers (Bothrops lanceolatus, French: trigonocéphale) native to Martinique. It was used by the French military on their buildings and/or uniforms. Members of the National Gendarmerie bore the coat-of-arms version of the flag. It stood next to the French flag on some public buildings of the island—such as the prefecture and the police station of Fort-de-France.
  This symbol dates from an edict issued 4 August 1766, specifying that vessels of the French colony of Martinique and Saint Lucia should fly a version of the French ensign, which at the time was a white cross on a blue field, with L-shaped (for Lucia) snakes in each quarter of the cross. The same design is used for the lesser coat of arms. Usage is controversial, because of its historical origin: upon adoption, the "snake flag" fluttered on ships engaged in triangular trade—and thus the Atlantic slave trade.
  The snake flag is locally considered as a "blazon" and not available for sale or trade locally. It is mainly, erroneously used as a courtesy ensign by yachtmen, who should hoist the Tricolore civil ensign instead, as this unofficial flag has no value. Often presented internationally as the Flag of Martinique, or the local flag of Martinique, it is usually not accepted by locals and its use is very discouraged.
caption: Snake Flag of Martinique