Flag of Latvia

The national flag of Latvia is a profoundly historical and deeply symbolic emblem, reflecting the nation's ancient roots, its enduring spirit of independence, and the sacrifices made to preserve its freedom. Its distinctive design features two dark crimson (maroon) horizontal stripes separated by a thinner white horizontal stripe in the middle. This unique and instantly recognizable flag, formally adopted on June 15, 1921, during Latvia's first period of independence, stands as one of the oldest national flags in the world, with a lineage traceable back to the 13th century. It embodies the unwavering resilience, cultural richness, and deep-seated patriotism of the Latvian people.

Dimensions, Colors, and Arrangement of Elements: The design and precise specifications of the Latvian flag are legally defined to ensure its consistent and respectful representation as a paramount national symbol.

• The flag consists of three horizontal stripes. The top and bottom stripes are of a distinct dark crimson (maroon) color, while the middle stripe is white.

• The ratio of the stripes' widths is 2:1:2, meaning the dark crimson stripes are twice as wide as the white middle stripe. This creates a visually strong and balanced composition.

• The proportions (aspect ratio) of the flag are 1:2. This elongated ratio is common among Baltic flags and provides a sense of dynamism and breadth, mirroring the vast landscapes of Latvia.

• The official shades of the colors are crucial for the flag's accurate appearance and specific meaning:

  • The dark crimson (maroon) color (also known as "Latvian red") is a rich, deep red, symbolizing the blood shed for freedom and independence, the readiness to defend the homeland, and the sacrifices made throughout Latvia's turbulent history. It is a color of profound historical significance, linking directly to the legend of the wounded warrior.

  • The white color represents truth, justice, honor, and the purity and spiritual strength of the Latvian people. It also signifies the peaceful will of the nation and the snow-covered landscapes of Latvia during winter.

History of the Flag's Creation and Adoption: The history of the Latvian flag is remarkably ancient, setting it apart as one of the oldest national flags still in use.

• The origins of the Latvian flag can be traced back to the 13th century, specifically to the Livonian Rhymed Chronicle (Livländische Reimchronik), which describes an incident in 1279 during a battle fought by ancient Latvian tribes (Semigallians and Livs) against German crusaders. The chronicle mentions a red banner with a white stripe used by Latvian forces from Cēsis (Wenden). This account is often cited as the earliest documented use of a flag with a design similar to the modern Latvian flag.

• This historical account places the Latvian flag among the oldest in the world, with only the Danish flag (Dannebrog) having a potentially longer continuous history.

• Over centuries, the red and white colors were associated with Latvian lands and identity, although there was no unified national state.

• The modern revival of the flag began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during the period of national awakening, when Latvian intellectuals and patriots began to seek symbols for a future independent state.

• In 1917, during the turmoil of World War I and the Russian Revolution, a group of Latvian artists and intellectuals, led by Ansis Cirulis, recreated the historic red-white-red flag for the purpose of a national symbol. The specific shade of red, a deep, brownish-red or maroon, was chosen to differentiate it from other red-and-white flags and to reflect the ancient legends.

• The flag was officially adopted by the newly independent Republic of Latvia on June 15, 1921, after the country had declared independence in November 1918. It flew proudly during the interwar period of Latvian independence (1918-1940).

• During the Soviet occupation (1940-1990), the Latvian flag was banned and replaced with various Soviet-era flags, first a red flag with gold hammer and sickle and later a red flag with a blue wavy stripe at the bottom. Displaying the national flag became an act of serious political defiance, punishable by imprisonment.

• With the rise of the independence movement (the Popular Front of Latvia) in the late 1980s, the national flag became a central symbol of the restoration of sovereignty. It was publicly displayed again on November 11, 1988, in Riga, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Latvia's original declaration of independence.

• The flag was officially reinstated as the national flag of the Latvian SSR (and soon to be the independent Republic of Latvia) on February 27, 1990, marking a crucial step towards full statehood. Its re-adoption was met with widespread public celebration and emotional significance, cementing its place as an enduring emblem of national identity and freedom.

Symbolism and Meaning for Residents: For the people of Latvia, their national flag is more than just a piece of cloth; it is a living symbol deeply woven into the fabric of their history, identity, and aspirations.

• The dark crimson (maroon) color holds profound historical and emotional significance. It is famously linked to the legend of the wounded Latvian warrior, whose blood stained a white banner, leaving a white stripe in the middle. This symbolizes the sacrifices, courage, and resilience of the Latvian people in their fight for freedom and survival throughout centuries of foreign domination and struggle. It is a powerful reminder of the blood shed to preserve their nationhood.

• The white stripe represents truth, honesty, integrity, and the purity of the Latvian spirit. It also signifies the peaceful intentions of the nation and the hope for a brighter future. In a landscape often covered in snow during winter, it can also evoke the purity of the natural environment.

• The flag, as a whole, represents Latvia's ancient heritage and its unbroken chain of identity, despite periods of severe oppression. It is a testament to the nation's ability to endure and reclaim its sovereignty.

• Displayed prominently on national holidays such as November 18th (Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia) and May 4th (Restoration of Independence Day), the flag evokes a deep sense of patriotism, national unity, and pride in their unique history and culture. It serves as a continuous visual narrative of their past struggles and their present freedom.

Interesting Facts: The flag of Latvia is one of the most historically significant national flags in the world, with several compelling facts that distinguish it.

• One of the Oldest Flags in the World: The Latvian flag is cited in the Livonian Rhymed Chronicle from the late 13th century (specifically 1279), making it one of the oldest continuously used national flags globally. Only the Danish flag (Dannebrog) has a comparable or potentially older documented history.

• The "Bloody Banner" Legend: Its unique maroon color is directly tied to the ancient legend of a wounded Latvian chieftain, whose blood stained a white cloth banner during battle, leaving only a white stripe in the middle. This powerful origin story gives the flag immense emotional resonance.

• Distinctive Shade of Red: The specific shade of dark crimson, often called "Latvian Red," was chosen deliberately in 1917 to distinguish it from other red and white flags (like those of Austria or Canada) and to reinforce its historical and legendary origins.

• Symbol of Resistance During Occupation: During the Soviet occupation, the display of the Latvian national flag was strictly forbidden and severely punished. It became a potent, clandestine symbol of resistance and the unwavering desire for freedom among the Latvian people.

• Rapid Re-adoption: The flag was one of the first national symbols to be officially reinstated during the "Singing Revolution" in the late 1980s, even before Latvia formally declared full independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. Its reappearance marked a pivotal moment in the nation's path to freedom.

• Historical Accuracy in Design: The modern design, adopted in 1921 and reconfirmed later, meticulously attempts to replicate the description of the ancient banner, connecting contemporary Latvia directly to its medieval roots.

• Ratio 2:1:2 for Stripes: The unconventional ratio of the stripes (twice as wide for the crimson bands as for the white) is a defining characteristic, making it visually distinct from flags with equally sized stripes.

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