Confederate Flag Meaning Around The World: Rebels, Racism And Americana

The Confederate battle flag seems to be on its last legs in the U.S. as retailers were pulling it from store shelves and websites while state governments were removing it. But somewhat surprisingly, the rebel flag can be found throughout the world.

The Washington Post outlined several unexpected places where the flag has popped up -- including at sporting events and festivals. The flag has been used as both a symbol of racist intention and a symbol of rebellious people, and at times those flying it didn’t understand its full meaning.

Australia -- The Confederate flag is used by the country's largest motorcycle gang, the Rebels. The group's website notes that its drawings and colors were chosen because of the founding president's "love of skulls and swastikas."

Brazil -- After the Civil War, thousands of rebels fled south and continue to celebrate the festa of the Fraternidade Descendência. However, for many Brazilians, this is less a political statement and more about celebrating American culture.

Canada -- Despite knowing its racial history, a bar owner displayed the Confederate flag as decor because he considered it a "Southern icon."

Germany -- Skinheads and neo-Nazis have been known to use the Confederate flag because symbols of Nazi Germany are banned.

Ireland -- A Gaelic Athletic Association upset a political group when it used the Confederate flag. Despite the connotations, the association maintained it was used for the colors, not in regard to any cultural meanings.

Italy -- Some southern Italians see the flag as a uniting symbol of defeated countries by drawing parallels between the U.S. Civil War and the unification of Italy in 1861.

The spread of the Confederate flag can in part be attributed to popular culture. The flag has appeared in album covers of Lynyrd Skynyrd and in the "Dukes of Hazzard" television series and subsequent films that have been released around the world.

However, following news that replicas of the General Lee from the "Dukes of Hazzard" will no longer feature the Confederate flag, perhaps it will fade from use.