The flag of Ecuador was first officially adopted in 1835. Today, it is known as the Tricolor, which is a reference to its appearance. The flag of Ecuador is made up of 3 horizontal stripes: yellow (situated at the top), blue (in the middle), and red (at the bottom). The yellow band is the widest and takes up 50% of the flag. The remaining 50% is divided evenly between the red and blue bands of color. Additionally, the Ecuadorian coat of arms is located in the center of the flag. This emblem is of an Andean condor perched on top of an image of a river, boat, Mount Chimborazo, and sun.
The appearance of the flag of Ecuador is similar to the flags of Colombia and Venezuela as each used the same prototype. In addition, the colors of this flag have similar meanings. The yellow band is said to represent the rich natural resources found in Ecuador, including the fertile land and productive agriculture. The dark blue stands for the clear skies seen over the country and finally, the red color represents the blood lost by those who fought for independence. The coat of arms also has a unique meaning. The condor sitting atop the image, for example, symbolizes strength and the mountain is Chimborazo, the tallest peak in the nation.
The original flag of Ecuador was designed by Francisco de Miranda, who took part in the South American independence movement as a military revolutionary. He later reported that he was inspired by the Burgher Guard flag in Germany a well as a conversation about primary colors that he had with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. In 1806, Miranda flew the original flag on a ship near Haiti while fighting Spanish troops.
Throughout the years, Ecuador has utilized a number of flag designs. The Cross of Burgundy, a red X over a white background, was used from 1534 to 1820. This design was inverted by rebel forces between 1820 and 1812. The first national flag (from 1820 to 1822) was light blue and white, with 5 alternative stripes and 3 five-pointed stars across the middle stripe. For a brief time in 1822, the design was changed to solid white with a light blue square and single white star in the top, left corner. In the same year, Ecuador became part of Gran Colombia, which is when it adopted the current tricolor design. This design underwent several more changed until 1860, when the current band design was adopted. The coat of arms was included in 1900 for governmental use.
This page was last modified on May 1st, 2018
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