The history of the Russian flag dates back to the 17th century, but the holiday itself appeared quite recently. Today we will find out where the tricolour was first raised, and when they started celebrating the Flag Day.
Our country celebrates the National Flag Day on August 22nd. The holiday appeared after the August Coup (August 18th to 21st, 1991), which marks the collapse of the USSR. On this day, August 22nd, the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic issued a decree according to which the tricolour (a cloth of equal horizontal white, sky-blue and scarlet stripes) became our country's national flag.
On the occasion of the restoration of the historical flag in 1994, the first President of Russia Boris Yeltsin designated August 22nd as a public holiday. In his decree, Yeltsin noted that a significant date was necessary "in order to educate the current and future generations of Russian citizens with respect for state symbols."
History of the Russian flag
The history of the Russian flag is rooted in the distant past. One of the first mentions of the flag of Ancient Rus' is the chronicle of the 12th century "The Tale of Bygone Years", which says that Prince Vladimir Monomakh brought with him a golden silk flag from Byzantium, which became a symbol of Christianity and statehood. In the future, the flag of Rus' has undergone changes depending on the period of our country's history.
However, the most significant event in the history of the Russian flag is its use during the Russian Empire. It was then that the design that we see on the modern state flag of Russia was approved. The flag of the Russian Empire consisted of three horizontal stripes: white, blue and red. This design became a symbol of Russian statehood and was used until 1917, when the October Revolution took place in Russia.
After the revolution, Soviet power was established in Russia, and the flag of our country was changed. Instead of a tricolour stripe on the flag, the symbols of communism appeared: a sickle and a hammer on a red cloth. This flag design was used in the USSR until its collapse in 1991.
Russia officially adopted a new state flag immediately after the collapse of the USSR. This design was chosen as a result of a competition that took place in 1993. The flag of the Russian Federation consists of three horizontal stripes: the top is white, the middle is blue, and the bottom is red. This design was chosen as a symbol of unity and peace. It also refers to the historical roots of Russia.
What do the colours of the Russian flag mean?
During the time of Peter the Great, white colour symbolized freedom, blue − the Mother of God, red − the strength of the Russian state.
There is no official interpretation of the meaning of the colours on the Russian flag, but there are several versions. The most common version is the following:
- The white colour symbolizes purity, independence and peace, and is also a reference to the old Russian coat of arms.
- The blue colour represents faith, devotion and justice, and also reminds of the blue colour of the mantle of the Mother of God, who is considered a symbol of Russia.
- The red colour symbolizes courage, strength and bravery, and also reminds of the blood shed for the Motherland.
What is the significance of the Russian flag?
The national flag of Russia is of great importance and symbolizes the unity, strength and peace of our country. It unites all citizens of Russia, regardless of their nationality, religion or political beliefs. The flag of Russia reminds us of our rich history, the exploits of our ancestors and the significant achievements of our country.
When we raise the flag of Russia on important dates and holidays, we express our love and devotion to the Motherland. This symbol of unity should always remind us of our common goal − the prosperity and well-being of the Russian Federation. May the national flag of Russia always remain a symbol of our nation and a reminder of our historical roots and values.