MOSCOW: Russia is observing National Flag Day on August 22, a national occasion established by presidential decree in 1994 to commemorate the country’s state tricolour and its significance as a symbol of sovereignty, independence and national unity.
The Russian flag, featuring equal horizontal stripes of white, blue and red, is one of the country’s three official state symbols alongside the national emblem and anthem. The occasion highlights the historical development of the tricolour and its place in Russia’s national identity.
History of the Russian Tricolour
The history of the white-blue-red flag dates back more than three centuries. In 1693, Peter the Great reportedly used the tricolour as his personal standard in Arkhangelsk. In 1705, he ordered the white-blue-red flag to be flown on Russian merchant ships.
The tricolour later became increasingly associated with Russian territories and state representation. In 1806, during a Russian expedition to the coast of southern Sakhalin, both the St Andrew’s naval flag and the white-blue-red flag were raised, reflecting their respective military and territorial symbolism.
The tricolour was formally established as Russia’s national flag in 1896, ahead of the coronation of Emperor Nicholas II.
Flag Defined Under Federal Law
Russia adopted the Federal Constitutional Law “On the State Flag of the Russian Federation” on December 25, 2000. Under the law, the national flag is a rectangular cloth divided into three equal horizontal stripes: white at the top, blue in the middle and red at the bottom.
National Flag Day has since been observed annually on August 22.
The occasion is also marked by official ceremonies and public events across Russia. Russian authorities describe the flag as a symbol of national unity and continuity among generations.
President Vladimir Putin has described Russia as a thousand-year-old country and civilization and called the national flag a symbol of unity.
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