The flag of Belgium features three equal vertical bands of black, yellow, and red. These colors have been associated with Belgium for centuries and each color has its own meaning and historical significance.
The black, yellow, and red flag has served as the national flag of Belgium since the country gained independence in 1830. The tricolor design is simple yet distinctive, making it easy to recognize as the flag of Belgium. But why were these particular colors chosen to represent the nation? What is the symbolism and history behind the red, yellow, and black bands?
Origins of the Colors
The roots of the current Belgian flag can be traced back to the late 13th century. At that time, Belgium was not yet an independent country but was comprised of a number of provinces within the Low Countries controlled by various rulers.
The Duchy of Brabant, one of the largest and most powerful of these provinces, adopted a vertical tricolor flag in the late 1200s. This early Brabant flag was comprised of the colors sable (black), or (gold), and gules (red). These heraldic colors came from the coat of arms of the Dukes of Brabant.
Over the next several centuries, the black, gold, and red tricolor of Brabant evolved into what is now the modern flag of Belgium. The yellow color in the current flag replaced the original gold hue used in Brabant’s medieval heraldry. But the origins of the color scheme can be traced back to this province and its symbolic use of black, gold, and red.
Meaning of the Colors
In addition to links to medieval heraldry, the three colors of the Belgian flag also carry symbolic meaning:
Black
The black panel on the flag represents the black cross on a gold shield that was found on the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant. Black is also associated with the black rood or crucifix, which was the emblem of the powerful medieval Order of the Golden Fleece, based in the Low Countries.
Beyond these historical meanings, black on the Belgian flag is also said to represent determination and courage.
Yellow
The yellow band on the flag was originally the gold or “or” color in Brabant’s medieval heraldry. Gold often symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and generosity.
On the modern flag, the yellow is said to represent the rich fertile fields and pastures of Belgium. Yellow is also associated with liberty and justice.
Red
The red color came from the red lion or “gules” found on the original Brabant coat of arms. Red is a power symbol that represents the blood spilled in the fight for independence and freedom.
On the Belgian flag, red can also symbolize the burning braziers carried by the artisans during battles for independence from Spain and Austria. Some associate it with the red apples grown in Belgium as well.
History of the Black, Yellow and Red Flag
While the color scheme has medieval origins, the flag of Belgium as we know it today emerged during the revolutionary period of the early 1800s. Here’s an overview of how the modern flag developed:
Revolutionary Flag of Belgium (1789-1790)
During the Brabant Revolution against Austrian rule in 1789-1790, revolutionaries adopted a horizontal tricolor flag inspired by the French revolutionaries. This green, white and red flag featured the colors of Brabant’s coat of arms.
Flag of the United Belgian States (1790)
Later in the revolution, a vertical black, yellow, and red flag was used alongside the horizontal tricolor. This flag, used in 1790, directly drew on the medieval heraldry of Brabant and is seen as an early version of the modern Belgian flag.
Flag of the Kingdom of Belgium (1831)
When Belgium gained independence in 1830, the provisional government at first used a horizontal tricolor flag with the colors black, yellow, and red. This flag was similar to the one used during the 1789 revolution.
But the now-familiar vertical triband layout was adopted in 1831 with the establishment of the Kingdom of Belgium under King Leopold I. This vertically oriented black, yellow, and red flag remains Belgium’s national flag today.
Other Historic Flags with the Same Colors
The color scheme of black, yellow, and red had been used in flags and heraldry associated with what is now Belgium starting in the medieval period. But other places have also used this same triband design in their flags:
Germany
Germany has used a horizontal tricolor flag of black, red, and yellow since the 1848 Revolutions. The colors are derived from the flag used by the Hanseatic League in the 13th-14th centuries. This color scheme remains an important part of German heritage.
| Color | Meaning in German Flag |
| Black | Prussia |
| Red | Hanseatic League |
| Yellow | Habsburg Monarchy, Austria |
Latvia
Latvia’s national flag contains two horizontal bands of maroon and white with a narrower band of red in between. The red band represents the blood spilled for Latvia’s freedom.
Armenia
The flag of Armenia features horizontal bands of red, blue, and orange. But an alternative design with vertical red, yellow, and black bands is sometimes used as well, drawing on the medieval coats of arms of Armenia.
Baseball’s Anarchist Black Red
Some European soccer clubs have black, yellow, and red in their jerseys, inspired by the medieval heraldry and revolutionary flags of their regions. And in American baseball, the Pittsburgh Pirates wear black and gold uniforms representing the black and gold of the medieval arms of the Duchy of Brabant where their name the “Pirates” originated.
So while black, gold/yellow, and red have been connected to Belgium since the Middle Ages, other places and organizations have also adopted the symbolic three-color scheme. But the vertical triband design remains uniquely identifiable with Belgium.
Belgian Flag Day
To celebrate their national banner, Belgians observe Flag Day each year on July 11. This holiday commemorates Leopold I’s inauguration on July 11, 1831 as the first King of the Belgians following independence.
Public buildings fly the red, yellow, and black flag and private citizens are also encouraged to display it. Concerts, parades, and other events around the country mark Flag Day. Belgians use the holiday as an opportunity to reflect on their independence and national unity.
The king’s annual speech on Flag Day praises national values, progress, and goals. It renews Belgian commitment to united liberty under the banner of black, gold, and red.
Using the Flag Abroad
In addition to flying over Belgium itself, the national flag is also used to represent Belgium internationally:
Belgian Embassies and Consulates
At Belgian diplomatic offices worldwide, the flag is flown to mark the location as sovereign Belgian territory. The Belgian flag is raised next to the host country’s flag at embassies and consulates.
Belgian Military Deployments
When Belgian military units take part in multinational operations, the national flag is displayed on uniforms, equipment, and buildings to identify their affiliation.
International Organizations
As a member state of the United Nations, European Union, and NATO, the Belgian flag helps identify their delegation at meetings and conferences. It visually symbolizes Belgium’s membership alongside other national banners.
Public Events and Celebrations
Whether at the World Cup or the Olympics, Belgian athletes and fans wave flags and dress in black, yellow, and red to cheer their national teams. The colors unite Belgians in events at home and abroad.
So the distinctive vertical triband flag allows Belgium to stand out diplomatically, militarily, commercially, and culturally across the globe.
Variants of the Flag
While the basic black, yellow, and red vertical tricolor remains consistent, Belgian flags can show some variations:
Proportions
The flag’s proportions are 13:15 – meaning 13 units wide by 15 units high. But shorter 2:3 or longer 3:5 ratios are sometimes used as well.
Coat of Arms
On some official state flags, the national coat of arms may appear in the center yellow stripe. But the plain tricolor without arms is more common.
Monarchy Flags
Unique Belgian flags are used for the king, the royal family, and the regent during periods when there is no monarch. These feature the national colors along with coats of arms and symbols of the monarchy.
Government and Military Flags
Belgian government departments, regions, armed forces, and other state institutions employ triband flags with their own unique coats of arms or symbols superimposed. These customize the flag for official use while retaining the national black, yellow, and red.
Historic and Alternative Designs
While the vertical triband has been Belgium’s national flag since 1831, some earlier and unofficial flags have used different arrangements of the colors. These include horizontal tribands, crosses, and quartered designs.
But despite some variations in details, the iconic black, gold, and red tricolor remains the standard.
Flying the Flag
There are protocols and guidelines surrounding the proper display of the Belgian national flag:
When to Display It
The flag is encouraged to be flown on Belgian national holidays, such as Flag Day (July 11), Independence Day (July 21), and King’s Day (November 15). It can be displayed year-round, but flying it every day is usually limited to government sites.
Displaying Vertically
When hanging vertically on a wall or flagpole, the black band should be at the left with yellow in the middle and red on the right from the observer’s standpoint. The red band is placed in the position of honor furthest from the flagpole.
Displaying Horizontally
For horizontal hangings, the proper order is black on top, then yellow, then red on the bottom as seen by the observer.
Nighttime Illumination
It is recommended not to fly the flag at night without illumination, out of respect for the national emblem. If flown at night, spotlights should be used to light it.
Size and Placement
The Belgian flag’s size and position relative to other flags should correspond to protocols for showing precedence and respect. It should not be flown in a degraded condition that demeans the banner.
Retirement and Disposal
Old and damaged Belgian flags should be turned in for proper retirement. Usually they are burned in a respectful ceremony avoiding allowing pieces to fall to the ground.
The Flag in Belgian Culture
Beyond its official uses, the national flag also figures prominently in Belgian cultural life and society:
Sports Events
Belgian fans proudly wave flags and dress in the national colors to support their athletes at events like the Olympics or World Cup soccer tournaments.
Concerts and Festivals
Concerts by Belgian singers often feature a sea of black, yellow, and red flags waved by cheering fans. Music festivals also incorporate the colors.
Historic Remembrance
Ceremonies commemorating events like the Battle of the Yser sometimes feature solemn processions with the national flag.
Patriotic Displays
Many Belgians fly the flag on their homes or vehicles, or wear clothing incorporating the colors, to visually signal national pride.
Anti-Terrorism Solidarity
After events like the 2016 Brussels bombings, Belgians rallied together under the black, yellow, and red banner to demonstrate resilience and unity.
So the flag provides a unifying symbol of identity, resilience, and solidarity during good times and bad.
Controversies Over the Flag
While widely embraced as the unitary national flag, Belgium’s divided Flemish and Walloon communities have sometimes disputed the banner:
Nazi Occupation
During World War II under German occupation, Flemish nationalists were allowed to use a variant flag with a lion symbol said to represent only Flanders. This promoted divisive regionalism against national unity.
Flemish Separatism
Some militant Flemish separatist groups have occasionally replaced the black panel on the flag with an all-white one. This controversial alteration symolizes Flemish independence aspirations.
Walloon Movements
Some Walloon autonomists have proposed adding a red rooster symbol to the flag to represent Wallonia separately from the Flemish areas. But this has not gained mainstream acceptance.
Flag Destruction Incidents
Isolated extremist incidents such as ripping the flag in public or defacing it with banned symbols have sometimes occurred amid tensions. Most Belgians see these as disrespectful attacks on the unifying national banner.
But despite some marginal efforts to co-opt or attack the flag, it still flies as a shared emblem representing all Belgians across the country in the 21st century.
Conclusion
The black, yellow, and red vertical triband flag of Belgium has served as the national symbol since achieving independence in 1830. But its color scheme draws on much older heraldic and revolutionary flags representing regions that are now part of Belgium. The tricolor’s colors represent independence, prosperity, justice, and more.
While similar color patterns can be found in other flags, Belgium’s is distinctively oriented in vertical bands rather than horizontal. The flag serves officially at embassies and in the military, but also figures prominently in cultural life during sporting events, festivals, and times of national mourning or celebration. Despite some marginal efforts to co-opt the flag for separatist movements, it remains a shared symbol of national unity. For nearly two centuries, the iconic black, yellow and red banner has stood for Belgian identity and freedom.
