Vexillology: the study of flags. Here are the meanings behind the flags of the countries I’m going to!
Japan:
Called “Hi-no-maru” or “Circle of the Sun,” reflecting Japan’s nickname, Land of the Rising Sun. Japanese school children (including me when I was little!) draw the sun red when they draw pictures.
Taiwan:
The flag is called “Blue Sky, White Sun, and Wholly Red Earth.” This flag was used in China before the Communist Revolution, symbolizing liberty from the Quing Dynasty. Now it has a double meaning, symbolizing Taiwan’s independence from Communist China and support of the old China.
China:
In 1949, when China became Communist, a flag design competition was held and this was the winner. The large star represents the Communist Party and the four small stars are for the four classes of people in Communist China.
Mongolia:
Featuring a flame of fire, the sun, the moon, arrows representing spears used to defeat Mongolia’s enemies, and Yin-Yang representing balance.
Kazakhstan:
The blue color is for the endless sky and water. The sun is for life and wealth, and the rays are shaped like grain. The Kazakh people have put eagles on their flags for centuries, symbolizing freedom.
Kyrgyzstan:
Features a sun with 40 rays, symbolizing the 40 original Kyrgyz clans. Inside of the sun is the crossbeams of the roof of the inside of a yurt—what one would see when waking up in a yurt.
Azerbaijan:
The blue stands for Turkic heritage, red for progress, and green for Islam. The crescent and star in the center also represent Islam.
Georgia:
Features the cross of St. George, the patron saint of Georgia. This flag has been in use since the 1200’s.
Armenia:
The red stands for the blood of the 1.5 million killed in the Armenian Genocide and the preservation of the Christian faith. Blue is for the will of the Armenians to live under peaceful skies. Orange is for the talent and hard-working nature of the Armenians.
Jordan:
Adapted from the banner for the Great Arab Revolt of 1916. Each of the black, white, and green bands represent the 3 states that make up Jordan. The red triangle represents the Hashemite royal family.
Israel:
Designed by the Zionist movement. The colors reflect the traditional colors used in Jewish prayer shawls. The star in the middle is the Star of David.
