The "snake flag" features a white cross on a blue field with a white fer-de-lance viper, a snake species endemic to the island, in each corner. The 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 was used for the lesser coat of arms. The snake flag is highly controversial because of its historical use by French slave ships.
Thank you Sophie!
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