South Africa: flag and coat of arms of the country

South Africa uses one of the most interesting flags in the world. The cloth is full of color and symbolism. How did the flag appear and what does each of its elements mean?

History of the cloth

The standard was adopted in April 1994. This happened during the first free elections that marked the end of apartheid in South Africa. The flag was developed by professionals, representatives of political parties and various private individuals. For consideration, an impressive number of options were offered - more than seven thousand. The best project, which was chosen as the flag of South Africa, was the work of Theo Stylianides and the Heraldmaster Frederic Brownell. He was introduced to the public in early March, formally introduced on April 27, and the 28th was solemnly raised in public. The flag of South Africa was also raised at the inauguration of Nelson Mandela, which took place on May 10.

Modern look and previous options

The flag used in South Africa is the most multi-colored in the world. The panel has a rectangular shape with a proportion of length to width as three to two. It uses six colors, which, according to the idea of the developers, symbolize the connection of the past of the country with its present. At the top right is the red inverted trapezoid. Bottom - the same figure is blue. In the middle there is a green strip. At the shaft is a black triangle, the edges of which outlines a yellow border. Prior to the appearance of such a symbol in South Africa, the flag belonged to the Union and was red, with the flag of Great Britain at the top of the shaft. To the right was a coat of arms in a round field, which had several options in different years of state existence. The modern flag of South Africa, photographs and images of which are known all over the world, are raised on solemn state occasions. According to the rules, it should be placed on the very rightmost flagpole when used with other cloths. In such cases, he is picked up first, but released last. Every citizen who observes this ceremony should stand still with his right hand attached to his heart.

Value of colors

Each color has a special significance for the history of South Africa. The flag is associated with all countries and peoples that have influenced the development and formation of the state. So, the red inverted trapezium represents Britain, the former colonizer, and also the population of the country using English. The lower blue figure is the personification of Boers and the state of the Netherlands. Under the green strip is understood the rights of residents born as a result of mixed marriages and professing the Islamic religion. The black triangle, which is located near the shaft, is a symbol of the struggle of black Africans for their rights and freedom. The yellow border that surrounds it reminds us of the Indian population that lives in the southern part of the country.

State Emblem

Representing South Africa's flag and coat of arms are closely related to the history of the country. Despite the fact that both symbols are used not so long ago, they brightly reflect the past of the state. Like the South African flag, the coat of arms includes many colors. It is a yellow shield framed by a border of ocher. The same color on it depicts two human figures directed towards each other and joined hands bent at the elbow in a welcoming gesture. The shield is surrounded by wheat ears, and above it are crossed spears and mace. Above is a pectoral of nine triangles, made in red, green, orange and black colors and connected by five pointed figures. They are arranged in a fan. Above is another row of triangles, this time performed in a sandy tint. This combination represents a flower of a protein. This plant from the family of artichokes is a national symbol of the Republic of South Africa. Above it is an image of a bird-secretary, spreading its wings. It symbolizes growth and speed. Above - seven orange figures fan, and the entire composition is framed by a pair of elephant tusks, which are designed to depict wisdom, eternity, moderation and strength. They are connected by a green ribbon with an inscription on the disappeared from use of the language of khoisan. It reads: "Different people, unite" - and thus symbolizes the complex multinational composition of the population of the South African Republic, which has struggled to achieve peaceful coexistence of its population.