Flag of Georgia (country) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Georgia

Name	Five Cross Flag
Use	Civil and state flag, civil and state ensign
Proportion	2:3
Adopted	24–25 January 2004
Design	A white field with a centered red cross; in the centre of each quarter is a red Bolnur-Katskhuri cross.
Variant flag of Georgia
Use	Presidential Standard
Design	Flag of the President of Georgia
Variant flag of Georgia
Design	Flag of the Minister of Defence
Variant flag of Georgia
Design	Flag of the Chief of the General Staff
Variant flag of Georgia
Design	War flag of Georgia
Variant flag of Georgia
Use	Naval jack

The flag of Georgia is also known as the Five Cross Flag. It is a very important symbol for the country of Georgia. This flag has a white background with a large red cross in the middle. This cross stretches all the way to the edges of the flag. In each of the four corners, you'll see a smaller red cross. These smaller crosses are called Bolnur-Katskhuri crosses.

What Does the Flag Look Like?

The Georgian flag is mostly white. White often stands for purity and innocence. In the center, there is a big red cross. Red usually means courage, justice, and love. This main cross is called the Saint George's Cross. Saint George is the patron saint of Georgia.

Around this large cross, in each of the four white sections, there is a smaller red cross. These are special Georgian crosses called Bolnur-Katskhuri crosses. They look a bit like a cross inside a circle.

The History Behind the Flag

The Five Cross Flag has a long and interesting history. It was first used a very long time ago, even in the Middle Ages. People believe it was used by the Georgian Kingdom in the 13th century.

After Georgia became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991, they used a different flag for a while. This flag was a dark red color with black and white stripes. However, many people in Georgia felt that the old Five Cross Flag was a better symbol of their history and identity.

So, on January 25, 2004, the Five Cross Flag was officially brought back. It became the national flag of Georgia once again. This happened after a peaceful change in government called the Rose Revolution.

What Do the Symbols Mean?

The five crosses on the flag have a deep meaning. The large central cross represents Jesus Christ and his sacrifice. The four smaller crosses are often thought to represent the Four Evangelists. These are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, who wrote the Gospels in the Christian Bible.

Another interpretation is that the five crosses represent the Five Holy Wounds of Jesus Christ. These are the wounds he received during his crucifixion. So, the flag is full of religious and historical meaning for the Georgian people.

Images for kids

• 

  The five crosses on the current Georgian flag are sometimes interpreted as representing either the Five Holy Wounds, or alternatively Christ and the Four Evangelists.

• 

  Detail of the 1367 Pizzigano chart, showing Tbilisi and its flag, which looks very similar to the modern flag.

See also

In Spanish: Bandera de Georgia para niños