Flag of Belarus
The flag of Belarus is a bold red and green banner featuring a traditional white-and-red ornamental pattern that reflects the nation’s deep cultural roots. Officially adopted in 1995, the design symbolises Belarus’ heritage, resilience, and connection to nature, and remains one of the country’s most recognisable state symbols. The ornament itself was originally embroidered in 1917 by Matrena Markevich, a peasant craftswoman from the Vitebsk region, whose work has since become a national treasure and is honoured with a monument in Senno. Today, Belarusians proudly celebrate the Day of the National Emblem and National Flag every second Sunday of May, and the country’s largest national flag can be seen in National Flag Square in Minsk, where an enormous 98-square-metre flag atop a 70-metre stele marks a patriotic focal point of the capital.
Flag Design and Symbols
The design features two horizontal stripes of red and green with a vertical stripe of red and white at the hoist.
- Red horizontal stripe: symbolises the nation’s past struggles, including the sacrifices made during World War II and earlier uprisings for independence.
The colours of the Belarusian flag hold significant symbolism. Here is a breakdown of their meanings:
- Red: Represents courage, bravery, and the spirit of the Belarusian people.
- Green: Symbolizes hope, fertility, and the natural beauty of the country.
- White: Represents purity, peace, and the desire for independence.
Fun Facts About the Belarusian Flag
- The ornamental design was hand-embroidered in 1917 by Matrena Markevich from the village of Kostelishche, and a monument now commemorates her in Senno.
- Belarus celebrates the National Flag and Emblem Day on the second Sunday of May every year.
- National Flag Square in Minsk was opened in 2013, featuring the largest national flag in the country, measuring 98 m² and weighing 25 kg.
- The flag’s ornament is inspired by traditional Belarusian weaving, symbolising unity, respect for heritage, and the continuity of generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Belarus Have Two Flags?
Belarus has two flags due to historical and political reasons:
- The current flag, with its red and green horizontal stripes, represents the current government and political system.
- The white-red-white flag is used by opposition groups and the Belarusian democratic movement.
The white-red-white flag symbolises independence and resistance, while the official flag represents the government and its post-Soviet direction.
Who created the Belarus flag?
The design of the Belarusian flag was created by a state committee in 1991. The committee was responsible for selecting the national symbols of Belarus, including the flag, after the country gained independence from the Soviet Union.
What does the Belarus flag symbolise?
The Belarusian flag symbolises the national identity and cultural significance of Belarus. The colors of the flag hold symbolic meaning, with red representing courage and bravery, green symbolizing hope and fertility, and white representing purity and peace.
Why is the Belarus flag banned at the US Open?
The Belarusian flag was banned at the US Open in 2022 due to Belarus’s involvement in supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Tournament organisers decided to prevent displays of national symbols from Russia and Belarus in order to avoid political tensions and hostility between fans during the event.
What is the former name of Belarus?
The historical name for Belarus is Byelorussia (or Belorussia), used during the Soviet period. Before that, the land was also known as part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and later the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The modern name “Belarus” was officially adopted after independence in 1991.
