The Armenian Flag: The Tricolor

The flag of Armenia, also known as the Armenian Tricolor (Yeragoyn in Armenian), is a powerful symbol of national identity and pride. It represents the Republic of Armenia and embodies the country's values of independence, cultural heritage, and unity.

History

The current design of the Armenian flag was officially adopted on August 24, 1990, shortly before Armenia declared independence from the Soviet Union.

• The tricolor design was originally adopted by the First Republic of Armenia on August 1, 1918.
• After Armenia became part of the Soviet Union in 1920, the flag was replaced with Soviet-style flags.
• The tricolor was reinstated in 1990 as Armenia moved towards independence.

Design and Symbolism

The Armenian flag consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width: red on top, blue in the middle, and orange (or apricot color) on the bottom.

• The red stripe symbolizes the Armenian Highland, the people's continued struggle for survival, maintenance of the Christian faith, and Armenia's independence and freedom.
• The blue stripe represents the will of the people of Armenia to live beneath peaceful skies.
• The orange stripe symbolizes the creative talent and hard-working nature of the Armenian people.

Cultural Significance

The Armenian flag holds deep cultural and emotional significance for Armenians:

• It's displayed at government buildings, schools, and many private residences.
• The flag is central to national holidays like Independence Day (September 21) and Republic Day (May 28).
• It's a symbol of Armenian identity and unity for the global Armenian diaspora.
• The flag is prominently featured in cultural events and international sports competitions.

Interesting Facts

• The specific shade of orange used in the flag is often referred to as "Armenian orange" or "apricot color," reflecting Armenia's association with apricots.
• The current flag law states that the flag should be made of three pieces of cloth sewn together, rather than being printed on a single piece of fabric.
• During Soviet rule, Armenia had four different flag designs between 1920 and 1990.
• The Armenian flag is often displayed alongside the flag of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed region with a predominantly Armenian population.

The Armenian flag continues to be a powerful symbol of national identity and pride for millions of Armenians, both in Armenia and throughout the diaspora, representing the country's history, values, and aspirations.

References

1. Wikipedia - Flag of Armenia
2. President of the Republic of Armenia - State Symbols