Flag White Red White

The white-red-white flag stands as one of the most recognizable and historically significant symbols for many Belarusians, embodying a long and complex journey towards national self-identification and sovereignty. It serves as a powerful reminder of periods of independence, national revival, and the struggle for democratic values, becoming an integral part of the country's cultural and political landscape.

Dimensions, Colors, and Arrangement of Elements

The white-red-white flag is a rectangular banner composed of three horizontal stripes of equal width: white (top), red (middle), and white (bottom).

• Dimensions and Proportions: The standard proportions of the flag are typically 1:2 (width to length), although slight variations may have been used during different historical periods.

• Colors:

  • White: In Belarusian culture, white is traditionally associated with purity, innocence, freedom, and with "White" (clean, untainted) Rus' – a historical name for the territory. It can also symbolize light, peace, and spiritual rebirth.

  • Red: Red symbolizes the blood shed in the fight for independence, courage, bravery, and self-sacrifice. In a historical context, it is also linked to the red elements on the "Pahonia" (Pursuit) coat of arms (a white knight on a red field), which was a traditional symbol of Belarusian lands within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

• Arrangement of Elements: The three evenly distributed horizontal stripes – white, red, white – create a simple yet striking design that is easily recognizable and memorable. The absence of additional ornaments or emblems emphasizes its minimalism and universality as a symbol.

History of the Flag's Creation, Country, and Region

The history of the white-red-white flag is deeply rooted in the Belarusian national movement of the early 20th century and is closely intertwined with the formation of Belarusian statehood.

• Early Origins: The design of the flag is believed to have been created by Klawdziy Duzh-Dushewski before 1917. According to one legend, the flag's colors derive from a blood-soaked white bandage worn by a wounded Belarusian knight on the battlefield during the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, when the combined forces of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Poland fought the Teutonic Order. Another version links it to the colors of the "Pahonia" coat of arms – a white knight on a red field, which was the state symbol of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and a historical emblem of Belarusian lands for centuries.

• Belarusian People's Republic (1918): The white-red-white flag was officially adopted for the first time as the state flag of the Belarusian People's Republic (BNR), proclaimed on March 25, 1918. The BNR existed for a short period due to the complex political situation related to World War I and the formation of the Soviet Union. However, despite its brief existence, the flag became an important symbol of Belarusian national self-determination.

• Interwar Period and World War II: During the interwar period, when Western Belarus was part of Poland and Eastern Belarus was part of the BSSR (Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic), the white-red-white flag continued to be used by Belarusian national movements and organizations abroad. During World War II, under German occupation (1941-1944), the white-red-white flag was used by some collaborationist formations, which was subsequently exploited by Soviet and modern Belarusian propaganda to discredit the symbol. It is important to note that the flag was also used by Belarusian national partisans who fought against both the Nazis and the Soviet regime.

• Restoration of Independence (1991-1995): After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Belarus on September 19, 1991, the white-red-white flag was officially reinstated as the state symbol. This decision was met with enthusiasm by many who saw it as a revival of national identity and a rejection of the Soviet past.

• 1995 Referendum and Flag Change: However, in 1995, at the initiative of President Alexander Lukashenka, a referendum was held, as a result of which the white-red-white flag was replaced by a modified version of the Byelorussian SSR flag (with changes excluding communist symbols). This move sparked significant controversy and protests, and since then, the white-red-white flag has become a symbol of opposition and those advocating for democratic changes and the restoration of the historical flag.

Adoption and Significance for Residents

The adoption of the white-red-white flag in 1991 symbolized a rejection of the Soviet past and a return to national roots. For many Belarusians, it became the embodiment of independence, democracy, and sovereignty.

• Symbol of Protest and Freedom: After 1995, when the flag was replaced, it transformed into the main symbol of political opposition and civil society in Belarus. It is actively used during mass protests against the current government, especially during the 2020-2021 protests. For millions of Belarusians, both in their homeland and in the diaspora, the white-red-white flag symbolizes the aspiration for freedom, justice, and a democratic future.

• National Revival: The flag embodies the idea of national revival, the preservation of the Belarusian language, culture, and historical memory.

• Historical Continuity: For supporters of this flag, it ensures historical continuity with the Belarusian People's Republic and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, emphasizing the European roots of the Belarusian state.

Interesting Facts

• Authorship: The creation of the white-red-white flag is attributed to the Belarusian architect and engineer Klawdziy Duzh-Dushewski, who designed it around 1917.

• "Pahonia": The white-red-white flag is often associated with the historical coat of arms of Belarus, "Pahonia" – an image of a knight on horseback with a sword and shield, which was the state emblem of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and a symbol of Belarusian lands for centuries. The flag's colors (white and red) echo the colors of this coat of arms.

• Prohibition and Persecution: In modern Belarus, the public display of the white-red-white flag, as well as the combination of its colors, is often considered by the authorities as unauthorized picketing and is prosecuted by law. This only strengthens its symbolic significance as a flag of resistance and freedom.

• Use in the Diaspora: The Belarusian diaspora worldwide widely uses the white-red-white flag as a symbol of their national identity and solidarity with the democratic movement in Belarus.

• Military Use: In the context of conflicts, such as the Russo-Ukrainian War, some Belarusian volunteer formations fighting on the side of Ukraine use the white-red-white flag as their symbol, emphasizing their commitment to a free and independent Belarus.

• Folk Motifs: The combination of white and red colors is traditional in Belarusian folk art, embroidery, and national costumes, which further emphasizes the flag's deep connection to the people's cultural heritage.

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