Flag of French Polynesia

The flag of French Polynesia was approved on November 23, 1984 and officially used on December 4, 1985. The flag of French Polynesia consists of three horizontal stripes: red, white, and red in a ratio of 1:2:1. In the center of the white stripe is the country's coat of arms.

The meaning of the symbolism of the flag of French Polynesia

• “Maro ura” is a red belt that had a special meaning in traditional Polynesian society. It was used exclusively by chiefs or members of the royal family and was associated with power, status, and was considered a sign of greatness and divinity. On the flag, the red stripes symbolize this particular belt, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of royalty in the life of Polynesian peoples;
• The double white stripe symbolizes purity, peace and spirituality, as well as the desire for stability. The location between the two red stripes, which are associated with strength and royalty, creates a balance between historical values and tranquility;
• The Polynesian “pirogue” is a canoe created by Polynesians. In Samoan, Hawaiian, and Tahitian, the word “va'a” means boat/canoe. A va'a is a boat that can be additionally equipped with a balance called an “ama” to keep the vessel afloat. The balance is connected to the hull by two wooden rungs called “yato”. Traditionally, pirogues were built from trunk and coconut fiber. The flag depicts a double pirogue with a raised sail, which is not only an important tool for fishing and traveling between islands, but also symbolizes courage, self-sacrifice and solidarity;
• A tiki (“ti'i” in Tahitian or “ki'i” in Hawaiian) is a sculptural representation of a person in the form of a statue, usually made of wood or stone. In many Polynesian cultures, such as Maori, Hawaiian, and Tahitian, tiki represent the first man or first ancestors created by the gods. The meaning of tiki varies from island to island, but in general they are considered to be carriers of strength and wisdom. They can also be amulets against disease and evil spirits. On the flag of French Polynesia, the image of five such figures serves to denote the unity and historical connection between the five archipelagos: Society Islands (Îles de la Société), Tuamotu Islands (Tuamotu), Marquesas Islands (Îles Marquises), Gambier Islands (Îles Gambier), and Tubuai Islands (Îles Australes);
• The waves symbolize the ocean surrounding the islands and the importance of the sea for the Polynesian people. As in the case of the tiki, the 5 waves symbolize the unity between the 5 archipelagos, thus these two elements have a common meaning;
• The sun's rays symbolize light, energy, a source of warmth and vitality that promotes development and prosperity, and also represent hope for a better future.

Flags of Austria, Lebanon and French Polynesia - similarities and differences!

The flag of Austria consists of three horizontal stripes: red, white and red in the appropriate sequence and has no additional symbols such as a coat of arms, which makes it very simple. The flag was officially approved in 1945, although its roots date back to the 13th century. According to legend, the red color symbolizes the blood shed in battles, and the white color symbolizes purity and peace.

The Lebanese flag consists of the same colors, only the proportions of the width of the stripes are similar to the flag of French Polynesia, namely 1:2:1, while the Austrian flag has the same stripes. The Lebanese flag also features a green cedar tree in the center, which is the country's national symbol. The flag was approved in 1943, and the red color symbolizes the blood shed for freedom, while the white stripe represents peace. In general, this interpretation of white and red colors is typical for all flags that use them, so there is nothing surprising here.

The meaning of the symbolism of the flag of French Polynesia has already been mentioned above, so there is no point in repeating it. In general, Austria, French Polynesia, and Lebanon have similar color schemes, and not only them, there are actually more flags, for example, the flag of Latvia, but these three are the most similar and appropriate for comparison, but do not forget that they are only outwardly similar and each of them has its own history and meaning for its people.

A brief historical note on the evolution of the flag of French Polynesia

The first contact with Europeans took place in the 18th century, but the official presence of France did not begin until 1842, when Tahiti and the surrounding islands became a French protectorate and the French tricolor became their official flag. Later, in 1880, the territory was annexed and became part of the French colonial empire. All the territories of French Polynesia remained a colony until the end of World War II.

In 1946, the status of the territory was changed: French Polynesia became an overseas territory of France. This gave the local authorities the opportunity to move towards gaining their own identity through traditional symbols and develop autonomy. Finally, in 1984, French Polynesia adopted its own flag, which was used alongside the French tricolor at official events. This flag, approved on November 23, 1984, combines the traditional colors of red and white with an emblem that reflects the culture and identity of the Polynesians.