The flag of Russia is a horizontal tricolor consisting of white, blue, and red stripes of equal size.
Basic Description
- Top stripe: White
- Middle stripe: Blue
- Bottom stripe: Red
- Ratio: 2:3
Symbolism
Although the Russian constitution does not officially define the meanings, the colors are commonly interpreted as:
- White: Peace, honesty, and purity
- Blue: Faith, loyalty, and the Virgin Mary (historically associated with Russia)
- Red: Courage, strength, and the sacrifices made in defense of the nation
Historical Origins
The tricolor dates back to the reign of Peter the Great in the late 17th century. Inspired by Dutch ship flags, he introduced the white–blue–red design for Russian merchant vessels.
After the Russian Revolution, the tricolor was replaced by the red Soviet flag of the Soviet Union.
Modern Adoption
The tricolor returned in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and became the official national flag of the Russian Federation.
Influence
Russia’s tricolor influenced many Slavic flags, including those of:
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Croatia
These colors are often referred to as the Pan-Slavic colors.