Day of the State Flag of Russia in 2022: how the tricolor appeared

Photo: © RIA Novosti / Vladimir Astapkovich

The Russian flag appeared at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries. Today, the tricolor is a national unifying symbol that causes pride and unites all citizens of our country. The white-blue-red banner is celebrating its 353rd anniversary this year. Who and where first raised the tricolor? How did it become the state flag in modern Russia?

When is Russian Flag Day celebrated?

The Day of the State Flag of the Russian Federation is celebrated annually on August 22. The holiday date was established on the basis of the decree of the President of Russia of August 20, 1994 “On the Day of the State Flag of the Russian Federation.”

On this day in 1991, the Supreme Council of the RSFSR adopted a resolution “On the Official Recognition and Use of the National Flag of the RSFSR”, according to which the country’s historical flag – a panel of horizontal stripes of white, azure and scarlet – became the new state symbolism.

History of the flag of Tsarist Russia

For the first time, the tricolor was raised in 1669 on the first warship in Russia, the Eagle, which was built by government order. However, the Dutch insisted on setting the flag, who at that time built this ship and were considered the best shipbuilders in Europe. They asked Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich to issue a cloth that would indicate the nationality of the frigate.

According to the Orel case published in 1853, the workers were provided with fabrics in three colors – white, blue and red. Peter I began to use the “flag of the Tsar of Moscow” on his yacht while traveling in Europe. Then the Russian tricolor finally took shape – the banner was divided into three.

“The top stripe was white, the middle blue, bottom red. On the blue stripe was a golden double-headed eagle crowned with a royal crown and having a red brand in its heart with a silver Saint George, without a serpent. Andrey Aleksandrovich Kuznetsov, Professor of the Institute of Economics and Entrepreneurship of the Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, noted.

In 1709, after the Battle of Poltava, Russia began to bear the title of empire, and in 1720 the tricolor became the flag of the country’s merchant fleet. In 1858, Alexander II carried out a reform in the treatment of state symbols and ordered the use of a black-yellow-white flag during celebrations.

Photo: © Order of Tsar Alexander II on the official flag of the Russian Empire. en.wikipedia.org

Later, in 1865, the emperor made these colors of the standard the state colors of Russia. First there was a black stripe, then golden, then white. However, the white-blue-red pennant continued to be used on merchant ships. The presence of two types of flag led to confusion – the people did not understand which banner should be raised, and which one to decorate houses during the celebrations.

Alexander III decided this issue. In 1883, the white-blue-red commercial maritime flag began to be used during holidays and other events. In 1896, shortly before the coronation of the last Emperor Nicholas II, the tricolor was designated the sole flag of Russia. The three colors of the flag have received an official interpretation.

White color denoted freedom and independence, blue – the patronage of the Virgin, red symbolized sovereignty. However, after the revolution of 1917, the tricolor was again replaced, this time with the red banner of the Soviets.

History of the modern flag of Russia

On August 22, 1991, the white-blue-red flag again rose over Russia. An extraordinary session of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR established a special status for the tricolor. It began to be considered the official symbol of Russia.

On December 11, 1993, by decree of the President of Russia, the Regulations on the State Flag of the Russian Federation were approved. In 1994, August 22 was designated the Day of the State Flag of the Russian Federation.

Photo: © RIA Novosti / Alexey Boytsov

On December 25, 2000, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the federal constitutional law “On the State Flag of the Russian Federation”, according to which the state flag was a rectangular panel consisting of three equal stripes: white – upper, blue – middle, red – bottom. The ratio of the width of the banner to its length is 2:3.

What do the colors of the flag mean?

At the moment, there are several interpretations of the designation of the colors of the tricolor. According to one version, this coloring symbolizes the unity of power, people and the Orthodox faith.

The most universal, but unofficial explanation for the use of these particular colors is the following interpretation: white is a symbol of peace and purity, blue means faith and commitment to the ideal, and red means energy, strength, blood shed in the name of the Fatherland.

Flag Rules

Since 2008, legislation has allowed the respectful use of the Russian flag by citizens and organizations in everyday life. The use of the tricolor is possible only on the condition that such exploitation will not be a desecration of the state symbol related to a criminal offense.

Photo: © Izvestia/Konstantin Kokoshkin

Desecration of the Russian flag is considered a criminal offense under Article 329 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The convict may face restriction of liberty for up to 1 year, or forced labor for 1 year, or arrest for a period of 3 to 6 months, or imprisonment for up to 1 year.

Where is the Russian tricolor constantly used?

The tricolor is constantly raised on the buildings of the State Duma, the Government of the Russian Federation, the Presidential Administration of Russia, the Federation Council, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, the Investigative Committee, the Accounts Chamber, the Central Bank, the residence of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, the Central Election Commission, as well as on buildings of state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, local governments and residences of presidential plenipotentiaries in federal districts.

In addition, a vessel in the internal waters of Russia must, during navigation, in addition to its own flag, hoist and carry the national flag of Russia in accordance with international maritime customs.

Source: Ren

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest

Dave Roberts Reveals Julio Urias Recovery Plan

Dave Roberts, Los Angeles manager dodgers, reveals plan to speed up speedy recovery for star Mexican pitcher Julio Urias. Recall that the return...