Flag of Armenia

The national flag of Armenia, often referred to as the Armenian Tricolour (Եռագույն, Yeraguyn), is a powerful and enduring symbol of the nation's rich history, its resilience in the face of adversity, and the aspirations of its people. Unlike some flags that have seen frequent changes, the Armenian flag's design has remained remarkably consistent in its core elements, representing continuity and a deep connection to its past and future. It's a banner that encapsulates the essence of Armenian identity, its struggles, and its unwavering spirit.

Design and Dimensions

The Armenian flag is a horizontal tricolour consisting of three equal bands: red on the top, blue in the middle, and orange (apricot) on the bottom. The simplicity of its design belies the profound meaning embedded within each colour.

The official ratio of the flag's width to its length is 1:2. This means that if the flag is 1 meter high, it will be 2 meters long. The stripes are of equal height, ensuring each colour maintains its distinct presence on the flag.

Symbolism of the Colors and Elements

The colours of the Armenian flag are not merely decorative; they are deeply symbolic and are interpreted as representing the following:

• Red (Top Stripe): The red in the Armenian flag symbolizes the blood shed by the Armenian people in their continuous struggle for survival, Christian faith, and independence. It represents the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the nation's existence and sovereignty. It also signifies the Armenian Highlands, the historical heartland of the Armenian people, and the Armenians' persistent efforts to preserve their faith and freedom. This colour often evokes the historical massacres and genocides endured by Armenians but also their indomitable spirit.

• Blue (Middle Stripe): The blue band represents the sky, hope, and the will of the Armenian people to live under peaceful skies. It signifies a desire for peace, tranquility, and a future free from conflict. Furthermore, it symbolizes the unwavering faith of the Armenian nation and their aspiration to live in their homeland with dignity and prosperity. Some interpretations also link it to the colour of Armenia's lakes and rivers, particularly Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in the Caucasus region.

• Orange / Apricot (Bottom Stripe): The orange (often referred to as apricot) stripe symbolizes the creative talent, hard work, and industrious nature of the Armenian people. It represents the national character, the bountiful land of Armenia, and the nation's ability to thrive and prosper through their efforts. Apricot is a significant national fruit and agricultural product of Armenia, linking the colour directly to the country's natural resources and the ingenuity of its people in cultivating their land and building their future. It also signifies the future of the nation, bright and filled with the fruits of their labour.

History of Creation and Adoption

The origins of the modern Armenian flag can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emerging from a rich tapestry of historical banners and revolutionary movements.

• Ancient Roots (Historical Banners): Historically, Armenian kingdoms and princely states used various banners and symbols, often featuring mythical animals, religious motifs, or dynastic colours. However, there was no single "national" flag in the modern sense until much later.

• First Republic of Armenia (1918-1920): The modern tricolour design was first adopted as the national flag of the First Republic of Armenia on August 1, 1918, following its declaration of independence from the Russian Empire. This specific design was influenced by the colours of the L.A.O. (Armenian National Council) flag, which itself drew inspiration from the colours of a rainbow, interpreted to symbolize the aspirations of a free and independent Armenia. The choice of red, blue, and orange was specifically proposed by Stepan Malhasyants, an Armenian historian and linguist, during a session of the Armenian National Council. His proposal was accepted, and the flag became the official symbol of the newly formed republic. This choice was deliberate, reflecting the historical, spiritual, and cultural essence of the Armenian nation, a synthesis of their past struggles and future hopes.

• Soviet Era (1922-1991): With the Sovietization of Armenia in 1920 and its subsequent inclusion in the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic (TSFSR) and later as the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic (Armenian SSR), the national tricolour was suppressed. Soviet Armenia used various red flags featuring communist symbols, often with a hammer and sickle and a star, and later, a blue horizontal stripe at the bottom. The Soviet-era flags were designed to reflect communist ideology rather than traditional Armenian national symbols.

• Restoration of Independence (1991): As the Soviet Union began to collapse, the Armenian independence movement gained momentum. On August 24, 1990, just over a year before Armenia's formal declaration of independence from the Soviet Union, the Supreme Soviet of the Armenian SSR voted to restore the tricolour flag of the First Republic as the national flag. This was a highly symbolic act, signifying a break from Soviet rule and a reassertion of Armenian national sovereignty and historical identity. The flag was officially adopted by the newly independent Republic of Armenia on August 23, 1991, following the declaration of independence.

• Current Status: The flag remains the official national flag of the Republic of Armenia, enshrined in its constitution, and is a deeply revered symbol for Armenians worldwide.

Significance for the Inhabitants

For Armenians, both within Armenia and across its vast diaspora, the national flag is far more than just a piece of cloth; it is a profound emblem deeply interwoven with their collective identity, memory, and aspirations:

• Symbol of Independence and Statehood: It is the primary visual representation of Armenian independence and statehood, a hard-won achievement after centuries of foreign domination and statelessness. It embodies the sacrifices made to establish and maintain a sovereign nation.

• Link to Historical Memory: The flag is a constant reminder of the Armenian Genocide and the countless lives lost in the struggle for survival. The red, in particular, evokes the memory of this tragic past, while the flag as a whole represents the nation's resilience and determination to endure.

• Expression of National Identity: For Armenians globally, the flag is a powerful expression of their national identity and heritage. It unites a dispersed people, connecting them to their ancestral homeland, language, culture, and faith.

• Hope for the Future: The blue and orange elements signify hope for a peaceful and prosperous future. They reflect the aspiration for continued development, economic growth, and a secure homeland where future generations can thrive.

• Religious and Cultural Significance: Given Armenia's status as the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion, the flag also subtly carries a religious connotation, with the colours resonating with themes of sacrifice (red), divine protection (blue), and earthly blessings (orange). It is a symbol that represents a unique blend of national pride, historical memory, and enduring faith.

• Unity and Resilience: The flag embodies the unity and resilience of the Armenian people, who have overcome immense challenges throughout their history. It reminds them of their shared destiny and their collective strength.

Interesting Facts

• One of the Oldest Christian Nations: Armenia holds the distinction of being the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD. While not directly represented on the flag's design (like a cross), the colours are interpreted to reflect the nation's Christian identity.

• Colour Consistency: Despite numerous political upheavals and changes in government, the basic tricolour scheme of red, blue, and orange has remained remarkably consistent since its first adoption in 1918, showcasing a strong sense of national continuity.

• Pan-Armenian Symbol: The flag is a pan-Armenian symbol, recognized and revered by Armenians in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), and the global Armenian diaspora. It serves as a unifying emblem across geographical boundaries.

• The "Apricot" Colour: The specific shade of orange is often referred to as apricot, directly linking it to Armenia's national fruit and its agricultural wealth. This makes it one of the few national flags to explicitly reference a specific fruit.

• Designed for Recognition: The distinct combination of red, blue, and orange was chosen in part to be easily distinguishable from other national flags, particularly those of neighbouring countries or those with similar tricolours.

• Symbol of Revolution: The flag gained even greater prominence during the 1988 Karabakh Movement and the subsequent independence movement from the Soviet Union. It was a visible symbol of national awakening and the desire for self-determination.

• Cultural Representation: The colours of the flag are often seen in Armenian traditional dress, carpets, and art, reflecting their deep integration into the cultural fabric of the nation.

• No Central Emblem: Unlike many national flags, the Armenian tricolour does not feature a central emblem or coat of arms on the flag itself (though it has a separate national coat of arms). Its strength lies in the symbolic power of its simple colour arrangement.

• Used in Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh: The de facto independent Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) used a flag derived from the Armenian tricolour, adding a white stepped pattern, further highlighting the close cultural and national ties between the two entities.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.