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Showing posts with label flag meaning and history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flag meaning and history. Show all posts
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The flag of Japan consists of a white background with a red circle in the middle.
Japanese Flag Meaning:
The circle in the middle of the flag represents the sun. Japan's name translates to "The land of the rising sun." The white represents honesty and purity and the red disc is a sun symbol meaning brightness, sincerity and warmth.
Japanese Flag History:
The current Japanese flag was adopted on August 13, 1999. The symbol in the flag is the state emblem and has been the symbol of Japan for centuries. The Japanese flag initially became the country's national flag in 1868. The Japanese flag was modified slightly by new legislation in 1999. Legend says its origins lie in the days of Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century, when a Buddhist priest offered the sun disc flag to the Emperor of Japan, who was considered a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu.
Interesting Japanese Flag Facts:
The national flag of Japan is known as the 'Nisshohki' or 'Hinomaru' which means 'sun disc' in Japanese.
The sun disc symbol is known to have been displayed on folding fans used by samurai in the 12th century.
Japan Flag Meaning and History
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The flag of Jordan consists of three equal width horizontal stripes - the top stripe is black; the middle one is white; and the bottom stripe is green. On the left side of the flag is a horizontal red triangle pointing towards the middle. In the middle of the triangle is a white, seven pointed star.
Jordan Flag Meaning:
It is often believed the seven-pointed star represents the first seven verses of the Koran, which is the Islamic holy book. The official website of King Hussein (1953-1999) states: "The Jordan flag symbolizes the Kingdom's roots in the Great Arab Revolt of 1916, as it is adapted from the revolt banner. The black, white and green bands represent the Arab Abbasid, Umayyad and Fatimid dynasties respectively, while the crimson triangle joining the bands represents the Hashemite dynasty. The seven-pointed Islamic star set in the center of the crimson triangle represents the unity of Arab peoples in Jordan."
Jordan Flag History:
The Jordan flag was adopted on April 16, 1928. Jordan received independence from British administration by the League of Nations on May 25, 1946. Jordan was mandated to Britain in 1922. The same Jordan flag as today was used from 1921 to 1928, without the star on it. A star was introduced in 1928.
Interesting Jordan Flag Facts:
Before 1916, Jordan was a part of the Ottoman Empire and the country's flag was similar to the flag of Turkey.
Jordan Flag Meaning and History
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
The flag of Kazakhstan consists of a light blue base. There is a golden sun with 32 rays in the center of the flag, and below the sun there is an eagle. There is also a golden webbed pattern running vertically down the left side of the flag.
Kazakhstan Flag Meaning:
The pattern on the flag represents the artistic and cultural traditions of the old Khanate and Kazakh people. The light blue symbolizes the various Turkic peoples who make up today's population of the country - including the Tatars, Mongols, Uyghurs and others. The blue has a religious significance, representing the Sky God to many of these people. A modern interpretation states the blue background stands for Kazakhstan's broad skies, and for freedom. The steppe eagle and the sun represent freedom and the flight toward greater heights and fulfillment of aspiration.
Kazakhstan Flag History:
The Kazakhstan flag was adopted on June 4, 1992. Kazakhstan gained independence from the Soviet Union on December 16, 1991.
Interesting Kazakhstan Flag Facts:
The original Kazakhstan flag that was adopted in 1992 had a red ornament but was soon changed to gold.
Kazakhstan Flag Meaning and History
Monday, January 21, 2013
The flag of Kenya consists of three horizontal stripes - the top stripe is black; the middle one is red; and the bottom stripe is green. The red stripe in the middle is bordered on the top and bottom by a thin white stripe. There is an emblem in the center of the flag that consists of a Masai warrior's shield and spears.
Kenyan Flag Meaning:
The black stripe represents the African people; while the red stands for the struggle for independence. The green represents Kenya's agriculture and natural resources. The thin white stripes symbolize peace and unity. The central emblem represents Kenya's fight for freedom and their preparedness to defend that freedom.
Kenyan Flag History:
The Kenyan flag was adopted on December 12, 1963, after gaining independence from Britain. The Kenyan flag is based on the flag of the Kenyan African National Union (KANU), the party which led the campaign for Kenya's independence. The country changed its name from the Dominion of Kenya to the Republic of Kenya in 1964.
Interesting Kenyan Flag Facts:
Since the Kenyan flag is based on the KANU Party, who has lost power, it's possible a new Kenyan flag may be introduced in the future.
Kenya Flag Meaning and History
Sunday, January 20, 2013
The flag of Kiribati consists of a bottom half made up of six alternating blue and white wavy stripes that represent the water. Above the waves is a yellow/gold half sun with 17 rays in the middle of the flag. Above the sun there is a yellow/gold frigate bird flying towards the left side of the flag. The top half of the flag is designed on a red background.
Kiribati Flag Meaning:
The image of the bird on the Kiribati flag represents authority, freedom and command of the sea. The sun rising over the red sky represents the equator and the blue and white wavy lines symbolize the Pacific Ocean. The 17 rays of the sun also represent the 16 islands and Banaba (former Ocean Island). The Kiribati flag's image represents Kiribati's geographical location as the islands spread out over the equator for over 4000 kilometers and cover over two million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean.
Kiribati Flag History:
The Kiribati flag was adopted on July 12, 1979, when the country gained independence from Britain. Kiribati was formerly named the Gilbert Islands. The Kiribati flag is derived from a banner of the coat of arms that was given to the country in 1937. The emblem was designed in 1932.
Interesting Kiribati Flag Facts:
The Kiribati flag is technically called a heraldic banner, because it is derived from the shield of the national coat of arms.
Kiribati Flag Meaning and History
Saturday, January 19, 2013
The flag of Kuwait consists of three horizontal stripes - the top stripe is green; the middle one white; and the bottom stripe is red. On the left hand side of the Kuwait flag there is a black trapezoid.
Kuwait Flag Meaning:
Red, white, black and green are referred to as pan-Arab colors and have been linked to the Arab people and Islamic faith for centuries. The colors on the Kuwait flag represent Arab unity and independence and are used in the flags of many countries in the region. The green stripe represents the fertility of Arab nations and the black represents the defeat of enemies. The red stands for the blood of the defeated enemy and white symbolizes honor and purity.
Kuwait Flag History:
The Kuwait flag was adopted on September 7, 1961, after Kuwait gaining independence from Britain on June 19, 1961. The Kuwait flag was officially hoisted on November 24, 1961. The flag was replaced after Kuwait was invaded by Iraq in August 1990, and was restored when Kuwait was liberated in February 1991. The design of the Kuwait flag is believed to be based on the Arab Revolt Flag of 1916, which was used as a symbol of Arab nationalism during liberation struggles against Ottoman (Turkish) rule.
Interesting Kuwait Flag Facts:
Up until 1961 the flag of Kuwait was always based on a red background.
Kuwait has used 24 different flags since 1714.
Kuwait Flag Meaning and History
Friday, January 18, 2013
The flag of Kyrgyzstan consists of a red background with a yellow sun in the center, which has 40 rays. Inside the sun is the circular emblem of a 'yurt' (or tent roof). which is the traditional tent used by the nomadic Kirghiz people.
Kyrgyzstan Flag Meaning:
The sun represents light, infinite nobility and eternity. The red background is believed to be the color of the national hero Manas the Noble, who united the 40 tribes of Kyrgyzstan, which are represented by the 40 rays emanating from the sun symbol.
Kyrgyzstan Flag History:
The Kyrgyzstan flag was adopted on March 3, 1992, making it one of the world's newest flags. Kyrgyzstan gained independence from the Soviet Union on August 31, 1991.
Interesting Kyrgyzstan Flag Facts:
In 2001 the Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan was given its own flag by the government.
Kyrgyzstan Flag Meaning and History
Thursday, January 17, 2013
The flag of Laos consists of three horizontal stripes with a white circle in the middle. The top and bottom stripes are equal width and are red; while the middle stripe is blue and equal to the width of the two red stripes.
Laotian Flag Meaning:
The Red stripes represent the blood shed in the country's fight for independence. The blue stands for Laos' wealth and prosperity and the white symbolizes unity and justice. Another interpretation of the Laotian flag states the white circle symbolizes the full moon over the blue Mekong River, which runs through and alongside the majority of Laos.
Laotian Flag History:
The Laotian flag was adopted on December 2, 1975. The Laotian flag is based on the flag of the Lao Patriotic Front, which is usually referred to as the Pathet Lao, outside of Laos. Pathet Lao was a communist nationalist movement that fought for Laotian independence. In 1975 the Pathet Lao took over control of the Laotian government and abolished the country's monarchy. They set up a communist administration and changed the country's name to the Lao People's Democratic Republic and officially adopted the current national flag. Laos gained independence form France on July 19, 1949.
Interesting Laotian Flag Facts:
The flag of Laos is one of the few communist-style flags that doesn't feature a star on it.
Laos Flag Meaning and History
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The flag of Latvia consists of a maroon base with a white horizontal stripe running through the middle of it.
Latvian Flag Meaning:
Dr. Karlis Ulmanis, the last President of Latvia before the Soviet invasion in 1940 described the meaning of the Latvian flag as this: "White stands for right and truth, the honor of free citizens and trustworthiness. But the maroon/red reminds us of the blood that has been shed in the recent past. It has been shed at all times in the remote past and we are ready to offer it again for freedom and independence, for our nation and country."
Latvian Flag History:
The current Latvian flag was adopted on February 27, 1990. This Latvian flag was originally used by the independent state of Latvia from 1918 to 1940, when the USSR again took over the country and banned use of the flag. Latvia regained independence from the Soviet Union on August 21, 1991.
Interesting Latvian Flag Facts:
The Latvian flag is reported to date back to a military unit in 1279, which would make it one of the oldest national flags in the world.
Latvia Flag Meaning and History
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The flag of Lebanon consists of two equal-sized red horizontal stripes that are placed at the top and bottom of the flag. In between the red stripes is a white stripe that is equal in size to the red stripes. In the middle of the flag and white stripe there is an image of a green cedar tree.
Lebanese Flag Meaning:
The cedar tree is a prominent feature of the Lebanese flag. It has been used as a symbol by the Maronite Christians of Lebanon since the 18th and 19th centuries. The tree represents peace, immortality and tolerance. The red stripes symbolize martyrdom and self-sacrifice, and the white represents the snow-capped peaks of Lebanon's mountains. Historically, red and white have symbolized the Kayssites (red) and the Yemmenites (white), who were opposing clans within the Lebanese territory between 634 and 1711.
Lebanese Flag History:
The Lebanese flag was adopted on December 7, 1943 after gaining independence on November 22, 1943. Lebanon was created by France in 1920 and the Lebanese flag is based on the French tricolor. The cedar tree was placed in the white of the French flag. When Lebanon claimed independence from France they got rid of the French blue and changed the stripes from vertical to horizontal. A green cedar tree on a white base was used as a Lebanese flag after Ottoman (Turkish) rule came to an end in the region at the end of the First World War, in 1918.
Interesting Lebanese Flag Facts:
Some flag manufacturers have made the cedar tree green and brown, but Lebanon's constitution states that the tree should be green only.
