“If the cat is dead, the mice will rejoice,” or “the mice are still afraid, even of a dead cat.” – It is not difficult to identify the European fort in the middle of the flag, over which mice are scurrying. A cat lying on its back beneath it is a metaphor for its death. Mice are actually used as a symbol to belittle rivals. If the motif is interpreted in accordance with the first proverb, then the mice on this flag play an active part. They have seized the fortress and the cat, a superior, powerful foe, lies lifeless on the ground. The affixed proverb “COME. AND. TRY” can be understood as a rallying call to its own company to conquer the fort. However, it can also be understood as a warning to the enemy, namely that they may share the fate of the cat. If one interprets the motif using the second proverb, then the mice are the fearful and mocked enemies themselves. The fort suggests the presence of Europeans. The appliquéd proverb further bolsters the flag’s provocative message insofar as it challenges the “timid mice” to venture forth from their fort and to face the company bearing the flag. Author: Doris Kubisch