The white, blue and yellow flag is the national flag of Ukraine. It consists of two equal horizontal bands, the top band is blue and the bottom band is yellow. The flag was officially adopted as the national flag of Ukraine following the country’s independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. However, the colors and design have a long history dating back to the Kievan Rus’ period in the 9th-12th centuries.
The blue and yellow colors represent the blue sky over yellow wheat fields, symbolizing peace and prosperity. Throughout history, the flag has become an important symbol of Ukrainian national identity and a rallying point during times of conflict and struggle for independence. Today, the Ukrainian flag is flown proudly across the country and the world as a symbol of Ukraine’s sovereignty and aspirations for freedom and democracy.
History and Symbolism
The blue and yellow colors associated with Ukraine have ancient origins. According to some accounts, blue represented the sky and yellow represented wheat in the Cossack Hetmanate in the 17th-18th centuries. The colors were used on the coat of arms of Kyiv and other cities dating back to Kievan Rus’.
During the national revival period in the 19th century, the blue and yellow flag became a symbol of Ukrainian aspirations for self-determination and independence from the Russian Empire. It was used during the Ukrainian War of Independence between 1917-1921 before Ukraine was incorporated into the Soviet Union.
When Ukraine declared independence in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union, the blue and yellow flag was readopted as the new nation’s official banner. The colors and design drew directly from earlier national symbols, representing continuity with Ukraine’s long struggle for sovereignty.
The blue band symbolizes the wide blue skies above the country’s vast fields of grain. It represents peace, tranquility, stability and infinity. The yellow band symbolizes the golden wheat fields under the blue skies, representing prosperity and the wealth of the “breadbasket of Europe”. Together, the colors evoke Ukraine’s national motto – “sky and wheat, peace and prosperity”.
The flag is officially defined as two equal horizontal bands of azure (Pantone 3005C) over yellow (Pantone 109C). The colors are specified in Ukraine’s Constitution as “the heavenly color blue and the golden wheat color as the symbol of the nationwide sky and statewide wheat fields”.
Usage and Display
The Ukrainian flag is proudly displayed across the country on official government buildings, embassies, airports, military installations and more. It is also frequently flown by ordinary Ukrainians on homes, businesses, cars and clothing as a demonstration of national pride and solidarity.
The flag takes on special significance during conflicts and times of struggle. During the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution, protesters rallied under enormous Ukrainian flags in Kyiv’s Maidan Square against government corruption and in favor of closer EU ties. The flag has also become a sign of resistance during Russia’s invasion, with people across the world flying it in solidarity with Ukraine.
There are specific protocols for properly displaying the Ukrainian flag:
- The flag should not touch the ground or be dragged on the ground.
- When hung vertically on a pole, the blue band should be at the top left, with yellow on the bottom right as viewed by the observer facing the flag.
- When hung horizontally, the blue band should be closest to the top of the pole.
- The flag should not be flown in inclement weather or when tattered or faded.
- No words, images or graphics should be placed on top of the flag.
The flag is raised outside government buildings and embassies each morning and lowered each evening. It is flown at half staff to mourn tragic events or the death of important public figures.
Flag Etiquette
There is a certain etiquette and protocol for showing respect to the Ukrainian flag:
- Stand in a respectful manner with the right hand over the heart when hoisting, lowering or passing the flag.
- The flag should be folded properly into a triangular shape when storing.
- The flag should be cleaned or destroyed respectfully in private if it becomes tattered or soiled.
- The flag should never touch the ground or be stepped on.
- Other flags should not be placed above the Ukrainian flag when flown together.
- The flag should be flown only from sunrise to sunset, unless it is well illuminated overnight.
Desecration of the Ukrainian flag is considered disrespectful and offensive to many Ukrainians. Mishandling of the flag should be avoided, and it should be treated with dignity and care at all times.
Current Usage
Today, the blue and yellow banner remains a ubiquitous symbol of Ukrainian identity and independence. It is flown across the country and at Ukrainian embassies and communities globally.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Ukrainian flag has taken on renewed significance. People in Ukraine and around the world have flown the flag in solidarity and as a symbol of resistance. Many public places and famous landmarks have been illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag as a show of support.
The flag is particularly prominent in the ongoing struggle in eastern Ukraine, where it flies over trenches and checkpoints of Ukrainian soldiers. Ukrainian athletes march behind the flag at the Olympics and other international competitions. It is also frequently incorporated into popular culture and clothing.
For Ukrainians, the national flag is a source of immense pride and inspiration during difficult times of conflict. It reminds them of their nation’s sovereignty and desire for freedom and democracy. The blue and yellow banner continues to be a unifying symbol of national identity for the people of Ukraine.
| Date | Flag History and Usage Milestone |
|---|---|
| 9th-12th century | Blue and yellow colors used on coat of arms of Kievan Rus’ cities |
| 17th-18th century | Blue and yellow associated with Cossack Hetmanate |
| 19th century | Blue and yellow flag used during Ukrainian national revival |
| 1917-1921 | Flag used during Ukrainian War of Independence |
| 1991 | Readopted as national flag after independence from Soviet Union |
| 2014 | Prominently flown during Ukrainian Revolution |
| 2022 | Flown in solidarity against Russian invasion |
Conclusion
The blue and yellow banner has been an enduring symbol of Ukrainian national identity for over a thousand years. It has represented the country’s aspirations for sovereignty and served as a point of unity during key historical struggles. Today the flag remains a source of pride and inspiration for Ukrainians as they face continued threats to their independence in the form of Russia’s invasion. The white, blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag will continue to fly proudly as a reminder of the nation’s spirit of freedom and democracy.