The flag that is red, white and blue with a single star is the flag of Chile. Chile’s national flag consists of two equal horizontal bands of white and red with a blue square the same height as the white band in the upper hoist-side corner. Centered in the blue square is a white five-pointed star representing a guide to progress and honor. The design and colors are derived from the first national flag, which was adopted in 1817.
Origin and Symbolism
The origins of Chile’s flag date back to 1817 during the Chilean War of Independence. The first Chilean flag was designed by José Ignacio Zenteno and officially adopted on October 18, 1817 by the Provisional Government Junta of the Kingdom of Chile. This first flag consisted of three horizontal stripes of blue, white and yellow from top to bottom. These colors were inspired by the blue, white and gold colors of the coat of arms of the Royal Audiencia of Santiago that represented the loyalty to the Spanish monarchs.
However, after Chile gained full independence from Spain in 1818, the flag was redesigned with the red and white stripes to represent the blood spilled to gain independence from Spain. The blue canton with a white star was kept to represent the sky of the homeland. Each component symbolizes an important aspect of Chilean history and culture:
- Red – Represents the blood of those who fought for independence.
- White – Represents the snow of the Andes mountains.
- Blue – Represents the sky and the Pacific Ocean.
- White star – Guiding star and honor.
The red, white and blue colors together represent the sacrifices andtriumphs of the Chilean people. The lone star represents progress and honor leading Chile forward. The flag’s symbolic meaning has become an important part of Chile’s national identity.
History and Usage
Since its official adoption in 1818, Chile’s flag has remained the prominent national symbol through all eras of the country’s history. There have been minor modifications such as changing the shade of blue over the years, but the basic design has stayed consistent.
During Chile’s War of the Pacific against Peru and Bolivia between 1879-1883, the Chilean flag was raised in victory in the decisive battles of Chorrillos and Miraflores that led to Chile’s annexation of coastal Bolivian territory and southern Peruvian territories. This expansion increased Chile’s prestige and cemented the national flag as a symbol of military power and national pride.
In the 20th century, Chile’s flag flew over the presidential palace during the 1973 coup d’etat when Augusto Pinochet seized power for an extended military regime. It later came to represent the country’s rocky transition back to democracy in the 1990s. Throughout Chile’s complex political history, the national banner has remained an enduring emblem of national unity.
Today the Chilean flag is celebrated during Fiestas Patrias, Chile’s independence day celebrations every September 18th and 19th. The blue canton with white star is also featured on the tailfin of planes operated by Chile’s international airline, LATAM. Chile’s flag is widely displayed during international sporting events such as the Olympics and World Cup to cheer on Chilean athletes and players. The national ensign inspires pride and patriotism for Chileans worldwide.
Flag Design Specifications
Chile’s national flag has a precise set of regulations and proportions defined in Chile’s law on national emblems and seals. The key specifications are:
- Dimensions: The ratio of the flag’s width to height is 2:3
- Colors:
Color Hex Code White #FFFFFF Red #BE0F34 Blue #0039A6 - Blue Canton: The blue square takes up fully 1/3 of the flag length starting from the top.
- White Star: The star is centered vertically and horizontally in the blue canton with each point touching the edge of the blue square.
There are exact legal guidelines dictating how Chile’s flag must be reproduced, displayed, raised, lowered and respected. Desecrating the flag is an offense punishable by fines and even jail time.
Comparable Flags
Chile’s flag stands out with its unique single white star, but its red, white and blue colors are similar to several other national flags:
- United States – Chile’s layout of alternating red and white stripes is inverted version of the American flag. But the U.S. flag has a blue canton extending the full height of the flag and 50 white stars.
- United Kingdom – The British flag also has red, white and blue but in the form of crosses extending edge to edge rather than bands.
- France – The French Tricolore has vertical bars of red, white and blue rather than horizontal bands.
- Russia – The Russian flag also has horizontal bands of white, blue and red but in that order from top to bottom.
So while other flags share the red, white and blue theme, Chile’s solitary star sets it apart as unique.
Significance of the Chilean Flag
The Chilean flag carrying on the symbolic meaning developed nearly 200 years ago remains deeply significant for the country today. The national banner’s colors and lone star represent Chile’s geography and history. But most importantly, the flag signifies unity and pride for the Chilean people.
Through cycles of government regimes, military conflicts, economic booms and crises, natural disasters and more, Chile’s flag has flown high and proud as a reminder of national identity. The flag is displayed by ordinary Chilean families at home, during major public events and by Chileans abroad missing their homeland.
Sports fans paint themselves in the red, white and blue when cheering for Chile’s national teams. Politicians from across the spectrum place Chilean flags on their campaign stages. The national anthem proudly glorifies the symbolic meaning behind the blue, white and red.
So while other countries may share similar colored stripes and stars, Chile’s unique flag represents the tapestry of Chilean culture, geography and people. The iconic red, white and blue with a bright lone star is a beloved and enduring symbol of Chile.
Conclusion
In summary, the flag featuring red, white and blue horizontal stripes with a blue canton and single centered white star is the national flag of Chile. This distinctive design has represented the South American country since 1818. The colors symbolize the blood spilled for independence, the Andes mountains snow, the clear sky and Pacific Ocean. The lone star represents Chile’s bright future. Flown proudly for over 200 years, Chile’s flag is an iconic patriotic symbol deeply woven into the nation’s historical narrative and cultural identity.
