Flag of Oman facts for kids
The national flag of Oman is a special symbol for the country. It has three stripes: white, green, and red. On the left side, there's a red bar that shows the national emblem of Oman. This emblem features crossed swords and a traditional curved dagger.
What the Colors Mean
Each color on the Omani flag has a special meaning:
- White stands for peace and good times. Historically, it was also linked to the Imam, a religious leader in Oman.
- Green represents the fertile land and the "Green Mountains" (Jebel al Akhdar) found in the northern part of Oman.
- Red reminds us of the battles fought to protect the country. It was also the main color of Oman's flag in the past, when it was known as the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman. Red is a common color in flags of countries in the Gulf region.
The National Emblem
The national emblem of Oman is an important part of the flag. It is said to have been used since the 18th century. The emblem shows two crossed swords and a traditional curved dagger called a "khanjar" (sometimes spelled "Gambia"). An ornate horsebit connects these weapons. This emblem represents the Albusaidi Dynasty, the ruling family of Oman.
History of the Flag
Before 1970, Oman used a simple red flag. This flag was used by the local people, who were Kharijite Muslims. In 1970, the Sultan of Oman introduced a completely new design for the national flag. Green and white bands were added to the flag, and the national emblem was placed in the top left corner. This change gave Oman a modern flag that still honored its history and traditions.
Images for kids
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Flag of the Omani Empire 1696–1856
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Imamate of Muscat and Oman 1868 to 1871
See also
In Spanish: Bandera de Omán para niños