Flag of Paraguay

The flag of Paraguay was adopted on November 25, 1841, and its last change to the current form took place on July 15, 2013. Thus, the flag consists of three horizontal stripes of red, white and blue colors in the appropriate sequence and the coat of arms, which is different on both sides of the flag. On the front side is a yellow star with branches and the inscription "Republic of Paraguay", and on the reverse side is a lion with a Phrygian cap and the inscription "Peace and Justice".

Meaning of the flag of Paraguay

• The red color symbolizes patriotism, namely the shed blood in the struggle for independence;
• White is a symbol of harmony, emphasizing the desire for peace and national cohesion;
• Blue symbolizes freedom and unlimited possibilities. In the history of Paraguay, blue was associated with the struggle for independence.

• The star is a symbol of hope. It represents the morning dawn that illuminated the May liberation feat that gave Paraguay independence;
• The palm branch is a symbol of justice, victory and love;
• The olive branch symbolizes peace, glory and wisdom;
• The inscription "Republic of Paraguay" represents the country, symbolizing its greatness, strength, purity and sovereignty;
• The three circles symbolize God, Eternity and Perfection, as they also have neither beginning nor end;
• The lion symbolizes courage, strength and greatness of spirit, personifying the Paraguayan people and their warriors who are always ready to defend freedom;
• The Phrygian cap or "Cap of Freedom" is a symbol of freedom and character of the Paraguayan people;
• The spear on which the cap is worn is one of the noblest offensive weapons and a symbol of the military prowess of the people;
• The motto "Peace and Justice" reflects harmony, tranquility, justice, loyalty and honesty, which contributes to economic and social development.

History of the flag of Paraguay

In prehistoric Paraguay, the natives used various elements such as feathers, deer antlers and other elements to identify their tribe. During the political emancipation in 1811, a blue flag with a white six-pointed star was raised, which was different from the Spanish flag and symbolized the country's independence. This flag was used throughout the period of emancipation and became the forerunner of the first national emblem of Paraguay.

During the General Congress in Paraguay, which took place in 1811, a flag consisting of three horizontal stripes was raised: blue and red and yellow colors of the Spanish flag. It was used from 1811 to 1812.

The first flag of the Republic of Paraguay was red, white, and blue without the royal coat of arms. It was raised on August 15, 1812 and used until about 1826, when it was replaced by a new flag. 

In 1826, Dr. Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia introduced a blue flag with a white six-pointed star by special decree. However, until 1840, this flag was used together with another tricolor, as many garrisons did not have a proper flag. Subsequently, in 1842, a decree was issued on a single tricolor, which did not allow the raising of other flags. Since then, the tricolor has not changed and is still used in this form. The only changes concerned the proportions of the flag and the coat of arms, which was placed on the central white stripe.