In Greek mythology, a monster with a man's body and bull's head, offspring of Pasiphaë, wife of King Minos of Crete, and a bull sent by Poseidon. It was housed in a Labyrinth designed by Daedalus at Knossos, and its victims were seven girls and seven youths sent in annual tribute by Athens. The beast was killed by Theseus with the aid of Ariadne, daughter of Minos.
The flag is modelled on the Stars and Stripes of the United States' flag. The stripes represent the nine provinces at the time of liberation. Blue and white are the colours of Argentina and also of national hero, José Gervasio Artigas. Effective date: 12 July 1830.