Flag of the German-speaking Community of Belgium
 | |
| Proportion | 2:3 (de facto) 1:1 or 13:15 (de jure) |
|---|---|
The flag that serves as the symbol of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, a federal community in Belgium, was adopted in 1990.
Design
[edit]The flag of the German-speaking Community of Belgium is a banner of arms of coat of arms of the region. It consists of the white background. In the centre is placed a red lion, that stands on its back legs, have raised its front paws, and put its tongue out. Around it are placed in a circle nine gentiana flowers that have five intense blue petals and white (silver) round centres.[1][2] According to a drawing attached to the establishing decree prescribing the flag, it should be square with proportions 1:1 or 13:15, but it is always used with 2:3 proportions instead.[1][3][4]
The red lion alludes to the coat of arms of the Duchy of Luxemburg and the historical Duchy of Limburg, and symbolizes the historical affiliation of the German-speaking community to those states. The nine gentiana flowers represent the nine municipalities of the German-speaking community. Gentiana flowers grow in High Fens, an upland area and a nature reserve in the region.[1][5]
History
[edit]In 1989, there was a call for proposals for a flag and coat of arms of the German-speaking Community of Belgium. The decree establishing the symbols was adopted on 1 October 1990 and published on 15 November 1990.[6]
See also
[edit]- Coat of arms of the German-speaking Community of Belgium
- National symbols of Belgium
- Flags of Belgium
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Vlaggen van België". Belgium.be (in Dutch). 2013-10-02. Retrieved 2020-03-19.
- ^ "Gewest gaat voor nieuwe vlag met hartjeslogo". www.bruzz.be (in Dutch). Retrieved 2020-03-19.
- ^ Dekret betreffend die Einführung des Festtages, des Wappens und der Fahne der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft. 1 October 1990.
- ^ John Edwards; Ralph G. C. Bartlett: Flags of Aspirant Peoples. Flag Society of Australia. 1994.
- ^ "Wappen und Logo". www.pdg.be (in German). Retrieved 2020-03-19.
- ^ "Coat of Arms and Flag of the German-speaking Community". Dglive.be. Archived from the original on 2007-05-30. Retrieved 2014-06-11.