What Is the Meaning of the Colombian Flag?

The Colombian flag is one of the oldest in the world, but there is no official meaning behind its colors or design. The flag dates back to the early 19th century.

History

Gen. Francisco Gabriel de Miranda (1750-1816) designed the Colombian flag after Colombia declared independence from Spain in 1810. He did not live to see his dream realized. Colombia achieved independence in 1819, officially adopting his flag on November 26, 1861.

Features

The Colombian flag has three vertical stripes, with yellow on top, blue in the middle and red on the bottom. The yellow stripe is half the flag, with blue and red evenly dividing the rest. The flag is one-and-a-half times longer than it is high.

Heraldry

The dominant theory for the flag's colors is based in heraldry. Yellow stands for sovereignty and justice, blue for nobility and loyalty, and red for honor, bravery and victory through battle.

Speculation

A second theory states that yellow symbolizes universal suffrage, blue represents equality among all classes and races, and red signifies fraternity and brotherhood. Colombia abolished slavery in 1821.

Fun Fact

A Colombian children's song creates a third theory, in which yellow indicates gold, blue the Caribbean Sea, and red the blood shed during the rebellion against Spain.

Significance

Ecuador and Venezuela separated from Colombia in 1830. All three use the same colors in the same order on their flags, although Ecuador and Venezuela have made some changes.

References

• World Flags 101

Resources

• Flags and Nations of the World