Flag of Georgia

The national flag of Georgia, known as "The Five Cross Flag" (Georgian: ხუთჯვრიანი დროშა, Khutjvriani Drosha), is a powerful and ancient symbol that encapsulates the nation's rich Christian heritage, its historical struggles, and its renewed independence. It's a vibrant emblem of Georgian identity, connecting the modern state to its medieval roots. Re-adopted on January 14, 2004, after a hiatus of nearly 500 years, the flag represents a profound return to traditional values and a rejection of the Soviet past.

Design and Dimensions

The flag of Georgia consists of a white rectangular field with a large red Saint George's Cross extending to the edges of the flag. In each of the four quadrants formed by the large cross, there is a smaller red Bolnisi cross.

The official ratio of the flag's width to its length is 2:3. This standard proportion ensures its balanced appearance.

Symbolism of the Colors and Elements

Every element of the Georgian flag is deeply symbolic, reflecting centuries of history, faith, and national identity:

• White Field: The white background primarily symbolizes purity, innocence, wisdom, and peace. In Christian symbolism, white is often associated with divine light and righteousness. For Georgia, it reflects the nation's aspirations for a peaceful future and its moral steadfastness.

• Red Color: The red color used for the crosses symbolizes courage, valor, justice, and love. Historically, red has been a prominent color in Georgian heraldry and flags, often representing the blood shed for freedom and the vibrant spirit of the Georgian people.

• Large Saint George's Cross: The prominent red Saint George's Cross (also known as the Cross of St. George) is a primary symbol.

  • Patron Saint: Saint George is the patron saint of Georgia, deeply revered across the country. His cross signifies Georgia's strong Christian faith, which dates back to the 4th century AD.

  • Historical Connection: This cross has been used in Georgian vexillology and heraldry for centuries, appearing on banners and coats of arms of medieval Georgian kingdoms.

• Four Bolnisi Crosses: The four smaller red Bolnisi crosses in each quadrant further enhance the flag's Christian symbolism.

  • Christianity and Christ: The Bolnisi cross is a distinctive Georgian cross design, often associated with the cross pattee or "cross potent." Its presence reinforces the strong Christian identity of Georgia and is believed to represent Jesus Christ and the four Evangelists.

  • Historical Origins: These crosses derive their name from the Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral, an ancient Georgian basilica from the 5th century AD, where similar crosses are found carved into the stone.

  • Unified Nation: The arrangement of the five crosses (one large central and four smaller ones) is also seen as a representation of Jesus Christ and the four Evangelists, emphasizing Georgia's unity and its deeply rooted Christian faith.

History of Creation and Adoption

The history of Georgia's Five Cross Flag is a testament to the nation's enduring identity through periods of independence, foreign domination, and resurgence.

• Medieval Origins (14th Century): The design, or very similar variations, dates back to the 14th century, during the "Golden Age" of the Georgian Kingdom under King George V "the Brilliant." It was likely the state flag of the unified Georgian Kingdom.

  • It's believed that the large Saint George's Cross was already in use, and the four smaller crosses were added to signify the unification of the Georgian lands under a strong Christian monarchy.

  • Some historical accounts suggest that the flag was brought to Georgia by crusaders or that it was designed to show Georgia's strong ties with the Holy Land and European Christian powers.

• Loss and Disappearance (16th-18th Centuries): With the fragmentation of the Georgian Kingdom into smaller entities and subsequent invasions by Ottoman and Persian empires from the 16th century onwards, the unified national flag fell out of widespread use. Various regional flags and banners of local principalities were used instead.

• Russian Empire and Soviet Era: During the Russian Imperial rule (19th century) and the subsequent Soviet occupation (1921-1991), Georgia used different flags imposed by the ruling powers.

  • Democratic Republic of Georgia (1918-1921): After a brief period of independence following the Russian Revolution, Georgia adopted a new flag: a dark red field with black and white stripes in the canton, representing the "red past," "black foreign rule," and "white hope." This flag, designed by Iakob Nikoladze, was known as the "Democratic Republic of Georgia Flag."

  • Georgian SSR Flag (1921-1990): Under Soviet rule, Georgia used various versions of a red flag with Soviet symbols, eventually featuring a red field with a blue stripe near the hoist and a hammer and sickle and red star in the upper left.

• Post-Soviet Reinstatement of 1918 Flag (1991): Upon regaining independence in 1991, Georgia initially reverted to the flag of the Democratic Republic of Georgia (dark red with black and white stripes). This flag, however, struggled to gain universal popular recognition and became associated with the turbulent 1990s.

• Re-adoption of the Five Cross Flag (2004): The current Five Cross Flag was widely used by the opposition movement (National Movement) led by Mikheil Saakashvili during the Rose Revolution of 2003. Its popularity as a symbol of historical continuity and national revival was undeniable.

  • Following the success of the Rose Revolution, the new government officially re-adopted the Five Cross Flag on January 14, 2004, making it the national flag of Georgia once again, nearly five centuries after its last official use. This act was seen as a powerful statement of returning to Georgia's roots and its European aspirations.

Significance for the Inhabitants

For the citizens of Georgia, "The Five Cross Flag" is more than just a national emblem; it's a powerful symbol of their identity, faith, and freedom.

• Restored Heritage: Its re-adoption in 2004 was a moment of immense national pride, symbolizing the restoration of historical justice and a return to Georgia's ancient Christian heritage after decades of Soviet atheist rule.

• Christian Identity: The prominent crosses emphasize Georgia's deep-rooted Christian faith, which has been a cornerstone of its culture and national survival for centuries. It unites Georgians across different regions and backgrounds.

• National Unity and Independence: The flag represents the unity of the Georgian nation and its hard-won independence. It's a reminder of the struggles faced and the determination to maintain sovereignty.

• Pride and Patriotism: It evokes strong feelings of patriotism and pride among Georgians, both at home and in the diaspora, serving as a rallying point for national aspirations and a bright future.

• Symbol of Revolution and Change: For many, it's also a potent symbol of the Rose Revolution itself, representing peaceful democratic change and a move towards Western integration.

Interesting Facts

• Long History: While officially re-adopted in 2004, the flag's design is one of the oldest national flag designs in the world, tracing its origins back to the medieval Georgian Kingdom (14th century).

• Named after a Saint: The flag is explicitly named "The Five Cross Flag" and is strongly associated with Saint George, the patron saint of Georgia, who is also revered in many other Christian countries.

• Controversy during Adoption: Its re-adoption in 2004 was not without controversy. Some critics argued it was too overtly religious or too closely associated with one political party (Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement), but its widespread popular support prevailed.

• Part of the Rose Revolution: The flag gained significant popularity during the 2003 Rose Revolution, where it was prominently displayed by protesters, becoming an unofficial symbol of the movement before its official adoption.

• European Heraldry Link: The Saint George's Cross is also famously used in the flag of England and on some Crusader banners, reflecting historical connections and shared Christian symbolism.

• Bolnisi Cross Origin: The specific design of the smaller crosses, the Bolnisi cross, is named after the Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral, one of Georgia's oldest surviving churches, highlighting its ancient roots.

• Historical Accuracy Debates: While widely accepted, some historians debate the exact continuous usage of this specific five-cross design as a sole national flag throughout medieval Georgia, given the fragmentation of the kingdom. However, its elements (the crosses) were undoubtedly present in Georgian vexillology.

• Popularity over the previous flag: The Five Cross Flag quickly gained more popular acceptance than the 1918-1991 flag, which, despite its historical significance for the First Republic, was less familiar to the wider population and carried associations with political instability.

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