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Flag of Lithuania

Each country in the world has its flag and its significance. They are the symbol of self-esteem to the nation as it also makes the people remember the sacrifice made for independence and the nation's development.

After the amendment which made the possibility of implementation on 1st September 2004. With the approval of its President Valdas Adamkus, the flag of the nation was recognised. The colour yellow, which can be seen in the flag, is the symbol of the sun as well as prosperity. The colour green symbolises the forest, liberty as well as hope, whereas the colour red is the symbol of bravery and blood. It also symbolises the sacrifice that the people have made for Lithuania. The history of Lithuania’s flag was mainly used by its President. 

History Of The Flag

The flag symbol has a historical representation. It is not just a piece of cloth, but it has its importance. It had the red field and the white, mainly silver, which the knight armoured. The knight had seated on the white horse, holding a sword in their right hand. The blue shield was also used to hand toward the left should, along with the yellow cross on the armour. 

The horse saddle, bridle, horse cloth, and belts can be seen in the blue. The sword’s hilt, the spur, and the stirrup, the fastening metal of the sheath, as well as the trapping and horseshoes, are yellow. The flag width and the length of the flag are usually 3.5, which is according to the law. 

The origins of Lithuania can be dated back to the 15th century. In the beginning, it gradually represented Lithuania’s Grand Duke, and it came to be represented in the form of Lithuania’s Grand Duchy during the late 18th century. The earliest flag of Lithuania found in Hussite was history which was completed in the year 1443.

Despite the many challenges faced by the Lithuanian statehood, the historical flag of Lithuanians has stepped into the consciousness. In 1981, the Lithuania council approved the tricolour flag, featuring a white knight against a red background. Gediminids can be noted on the reverse side of the flag. The President used this historical flag. It floated on the President’s palace, and the War Museumich is in Kaunas, the interim capital city of Lithuania.

Considering the history of the Lithuania flag, on 8th July 2004, the place Seimas related to the Lithuania Republic amended the law related to the national flag. This flag has the old flag and the knight in the white colour that is found against the background colour red. To eliminate the confusion related to the national flag, it was decided to be named based on the historical Lithuania national flag. This came to be approved by the Seimas, the Lithuania Republic, in the year 2010 on June 17th.

The Significance Of The Lithuanian Flag Symbol

Lithuanian arms coat is also familiar as Vytis mainly depicts the soldier who is mounted along with the raised sword. This can be found on the red field. The Lithuania flag’s symbol has significance, and many countries’ symbols inspired it. The Grand Duchy also uses the flag, and today it is also designated in the form of a historical flag. The modern flag of Lithuanian national recognised flag is the creation of the 20th century.  

Flag Design

The design, size, and use of the flag are mainly enshrined in the law of Lithuania. The flag is made of this piece of cloth, with horizontal stripes, which have the colour yellow at the top. The colour green can be seen in the middle of the flag, and the colour red is at the bottom of the flag. 

Symbol and Colour

Lithuania’s flag colour meaning is very much interesting. It was mainly adopted in the year 1991 on June 26th. The law of Lithuania designed it along with its size and the way it has to be used. With the amendment of the law in 2004 on July 8th, many changes can be seen in the national flag. Due to its amendment, the ratio was changed from 1:2 to 3:5.

The state officials approved the flag after the amendment in the year 2004 on September 1st. President Valdes Adamcos approved certain things related to the flag based on this amendment.

The colour yellow of the flag is the symbol of the sun as well as happiness. The colour green is the symbol of forests as well as countryside. Hope along with freedom. Whereas red is the symbol of courage and blood, including the bravery shown by the national heroes of the country.

The colour of the flag is mainly made in accordance with the Pantone System of matching and fabric paper that is used in the preparation of the national flag. The flag’s ratio is 3:5, considered to be the standard size of the Lithuania flag.

Use of the Flag

Certain things have to be kept in mind while using the flag. The flag has to be shown horizontally as well as vertically. Before the amendment, the yellow band used to be at the top, and the red colour band used to be on the right side the second time. A certain protocol has been followed at the time of using the flag. The display of the flag is encouraged mainly on special days like Flag Day, which is on Jan 1st, as well as on the day of freedom fighters on Jan 13th. 

Conclusion:

Despite the many challenges faced by the Lithuanian statehood, the historical flag of Lithuanians has stepped into the consciousness. In the year 1981, the Lithuanian Council approved the tricolour flag. The history of the Lithuania flag is very much interesting to know.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

When was the flag created?

Answer. It was created in the year 1981 on April 19th.

What does the flag of Lithuanian colours mainly mean?

Answer. The symbol of the Lithuania flag represents the prosperity of the nation.

What should be the ratio of the flag?

Answer. The ratio of the flag is 3:5, according to the law.

How old is the Lithuanian flag?

Answer. It is nearly 15th century old.