The SUN & LION

Ancient Iranians believed Sun as the center of energy and the lion as the symbol of power, and braveness. Mithraism which was ancient religion of Iranians believed that a man will come to rescue the humanity and will destroy the caw that was the symbol of most commodities. Mithra that was believed to be the sun's son is powerful enough that will destroy the caw. Therefore in most archeological documents and carving we see an angle or a lion fighting with a caw (Persepolis, Apadana Palace's stairs). Therefore Lion, Sun with portrait of an angle who represents Mithra has been discovered in most ancient archeological items.  First Iranian flag in the time of Hakamenid used to be a Hawk (Shahbaz) with open wings carried in front of the army on top of a tall flag pole.

The famous "Derafsh Kaviani" which was made by an artisan smith using his apron, carried three different ribbons hanging from the bottom in Red, Purple and yellow. Sassanid flag which was decorated by much valuable jewelry was stolen by Arabs when Iranian army was defeated. Arabs burned the flag and used the valuable items.

All time Lion and Sun appeared on most flags no matter if the defeated dynasty had to be destroyed. The Lion and Sun was transformed from one flag to the other with different colors.

During Safavied dynasty that were a religious group and strongly believed in Islam, sword appeared on the flag. Sword was Ali's symbol (Mohammad's son-in-law)

During Afshari dynasty, Nadir Shah created rectangle flag, red, white and green using Lion and Sun as emblem. During Qajar dynasty, Fath-Ali-Shah developed a flag in red with a sitting Lion (no Sword) representing war time, another flag with sitting lion (with sword) on the green surface representing peace time, both lion & Sun reflection covered all surfaces of the flags.

Later, Amir Kabir ordered military compound to be built on the places of the Mosques, all soldiers were ordered to wear uniforms using Iranian cloth which buttons were decorated with Lion & Son. He combined Red and Green colors.

During Mohamad Shah Qajar House representatives recognized Red, White, Green flag with Lion & Sun carrying sword as the national emblem. This was so until the end of Pahlavi era when the Islamic republic ordered all Sun & Lion emblems removed from monuments, historic building and governmental stationeries.

So, the combination of Lion and Sun was indicative of the power of our Nation and is now the power of Iran Almanac.