A flag of a nation is a symbol of unity, independence and progression. For Armenia and its nation it represents not only the modern republic but also the rocky path it has walked during its long history.
Compared to the country itself the Armenian flag is not very old, it is around for “only” about 1000 years. It was first used by the Rubenids Dynasty in the 11th century. They were the initiators of the current well-known version of the flag with red, blue and orange colors with a slightly different ratio. They ruled until Hethumids took over the power two centuries later and changed it.
The flag was once again waving high in the sky at the beginning of the 20th century after the Armenian Genocide. As a powerful sign it rose like a phoenix from ashes to shame those who decided to erase a whole nation off the face of the Earth. In 1918 the independent Armenian National Council adopted the flag as the National Flag of the first Armenian Republic. Two years later it was replaced by the Soviet Armenia’s flag that looked similar but was very different.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia once again raised the legendary flag of victory. On August 24, 1990 the Armenian Government adopted the Tricolor (Yeraguyn in Armenian) to lead the country into the bright future that was ahead of it. Today it proves the eternity and independence of the Armenian Nation.
The flag has three horizontally laid out colors: red at the top, followed by blue and orange at the bottom. The red color on the top of the flag symbolizes Armenian Highlands, constant fight of the Armenian nation for survival, Christian religion, independence and freedom of Armenia. The blue stands for the desire of the Armenian nation to live beneath peaceful sky. The orange symbolizes the creative nature and diligence of the Armenian nation.
The flag has long become the inseparable part of our life. With its uniqueness it quickly identifies everything that is Armenian. It is present on traditional souvenirs and some pieces of clothing that Armenians proudly wear.
Armenians celebrate the National Flag day on June 15th. Just like any other national event it is accompanied by many concerts around the country and interesting activities.
