The Watermelon Symbol: Why It Stands for Palestine
It shows up on protest signs in New York, on campus tables and all over social media: a simple slice of watermelon. To many people it looks like a fun graphic. To Palestinians and their supporters, it is a flag you can hold in your hand.
Why a watermelon?
Cut a watermelon open and you get red, green, black and white. Those are exactly the colours of the Palestinian flag, which is why the fruit has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Palestine.
A history of restrictions
After 1967, showing the Palestinian flag in the West Bank and Gaza could get people arrested. In 1980, Israeli authorities closed a Ramallah art exhibition by Sliman Mansour, Nabil Anani and Issam Badr, and the artists were reportedly told that paintings in the flag's colours were off limits. Stories followed of young Palestinians walking the streets with sliced watermelons. Historians say not every account can be confirmed, but the idea became part of how Palestinians remember that time.
How it went global
In 2007, Palestinian artist Khaled Hourani created The Story of the Watermelon, a work that would later be shared around the world. In 2023, when flag restrictions made headlines again, a campaign in Tel Aviv covered taxis with watermelon images and the line: this is not a Palestinian flag. On social media, the watermelon emoji became shorthand for support, used by people across the US and beyond.
The meaning today
The watermelon now stands for identity, persistence and a bit of defiant humor. It turns up at rallies from Brooklyn to Chicago, on student banners and on everyday clothing.
Our Triangle Watermelon and Palestine Watermelon designs let you carry the symbol with you, on tees, hoodies, sweatshirts and phone cases.
FAQ
+What does the watermelon symbol mean for Palestine?
A cut watermelon shows red, green, black and white, the colors of the Palestinian flag, so it has become a widely used symbol of Palestine and of solidarity.
+Why do people use the watermelon emoji?
On social media, the watermelon emoji is used to show support for Palestine, often in place of the flag.
+Who created the famous watermelon artwork?
Palestinian artist Khaled Hourani painted The Story of the Watermelon in 2007, one of the best-known versions of the symbol.
+Where can I get watermelon Palestine clothing in the US?
The Free Palestine Store carries Triangle Watermelon and Palestine Watermelon designs on tees, hoodies, sweatshirts and phone cases.
Shop the designs in this article
Keep exploring: Shop our Best Sellers · Read next: From Nablus Soap to Hebron Glass: The Palestinian Crafts Worth Knowing
