Flag of Belarus facts for kids
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Use | National flag |
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Proportion | 1:2 |
Adopted | June 7, 1995 (updated in 2012) |
Design | A horizontal bicolor of red over green in a 2:1 ratio, with a red ornamental pattern on a white vertical stripe at the hoist |
The flag of Belarus is the national symbol of the country. It was officially adopted on June 7, 1995. This flag replaced an older design that was used by the Belarusian People's Republic in 1918. The current flag is actually a slightly changed version of the flag used in 1951, when Belarus was part of the Soviet Union.
The flag has two main horizontal stripes. The top stripe is red, and the bottom stripe is green. On the left side of the flag, there is a vertical white stripe. This white stripe has a red traditional Belarusian pattern on it.
Contents
What Does the Flag Look Like?
The flag of Belarus has a simple yet meaningful design. It features a wide red stripe at the top and a narrower green stripe at the bottom. These stripes cover most of the flag.
The Red and Green Colors
The red color on the flag stands for the past struggles and sacrifices of the Belarusian people. It reminds everyone of the bravery and determination shown throughout history. The green color represents hope for the future. It also symbolizes the country's forests and fields, which are very important to Belarus. Green also shows growth, peace, and prosperity.
The Ornamental Pattern
On the left side of the flag, there is a vertical white stripe. This stripe features a traditional Belarusian ornamental pattern. This pattern is red and is very detailed. It is a symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage. The pattern represents the ancient traditions, unique culture, and unity of the Belarusian people. It shows the country's history and its artistic traditions.
How Was the Flag Chosen?
The current flag was chosen by a vote in 1995. People in Belarus voted to bring back a flag that looked very similar to the one used during the Soviet era. This decision was made to reflect the country's history and its path forward. The flag was updated slightly in 2012, but its main design stayed the same.
Why Did the Flag Change?
Before 1995, Belarus used a different flag. This older flag was white with a red stripe in the middle. It was used after Belarus became independent from the Soviet Union. However, in 1995, a new flag was introduced. This change was part of a national referendum, where citizens voted on several important issues, including the national symbols. The new flag was chosen to represent a connection to the country's Soviet past, but with new meaning for an independent Belarus.
See also
- In Spanish: Bandera de Bielorrusia para niños