Meaning of the Country Flags and Their Symbolism

Every country in the world has its own flag that symbolizes something about the individual country. Colors and shapes are used to signify certain things and it is important for people to know what each country’s flag symbolizes.

USA’s flag was adopted officially in 1777, at that time there was no meaning attached to the colors. On the other hand, the same colors were used in designing the Seal of the United States of America in 1782, having specific meaning. In the words of Charles Thompson, secretary to the Continental Congress: "The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice". The American flag is a symbol of national unity and pride for the country. The fifty stars represent the fifty states comprising the present-day United States of America.

England’s flag has a white background and a red cross. The flag dates back to English crusades and historians state that this flag was flown immediately prior to the second crusade. The earliest reference to England’s flag dates back to 1277.

Germany’s flag originates back to the end of the 1940s. In 1949 new colors were adopted for the flag, which then became gold, red and black. These colors were originated in 1870 because the German Empire wanted to use black and white in their flag, just like Prussia. The Hanseatic League led to Germany using white and red in their flag.

Afghanistan’s flag features green, red and black elements. The center of the flag is where Afghanistan’s emblem is located. This emblem includes the words “There is no God but Allah and Mohammad is his profit, and Allah is great.” The three colors used in the flag are representative of different stages in Afghanistan’s history. The black elements of the flag are a representation of the 19^th century while the red elements represent Afghanistan’s battle to become independent and the green elements represent achieving that independence.

France’s flag dates back to the days of Napoleon.  It was officially adopted in the year 1794 and came to include red, white and blue because these were colors that were important during the storming of the Bastille.

Japan: The Japanese flag is the well-known red circle, demonstrating the sun, in the center of a white background.  The history of this flag dates back to the early 1600s when the Tokugawa Shogunate adopted the flag on its ships.  By the 19th century, all Japanese vessels bore the flag of the rising sun.

Each flag of the world symbolizes the events and people that shaped the country’s history. The symbolism of all world flags is something that everyone should take pride in knowing all about. 

If you know what your country flag symbolizes write it in the comment...