History
When flown vertically the crown on the flag is rotated so that it always faces upwards. (The flag on the left is that of Liechtenstein)
Liechtenstein was formed in 1719 as a principality within the Holy Roman Empire, and gained complete independence in 1866.[1] Within this period, the colours blue and red were selected to feature on the flag, instead of the gold and red on the coat of arms that would have customarily been employed instead. These new livery colours were first utilized by Prince Joseph Wenzel I in 1764.[2]
A new constitution for the Principality was formulated and proclaimed in October 1921.[2][3] It made the blue and red banner the national flag by granting it "official status".[2] Fifteen years later, during the 1936 Summer Olympics, the country came to the realization that its flag was identical to the flag of Haiti. Because of this finding, the government added the prince's crown to the canton.[2][4][5] This change served two purposes – to signify Liechtenstein's position as a principality, and to distinguish its flag from Haiti's.[4][6] This modified design was adopted on June 24, 1937.[6]
Design
Construction
Construction sheet for the Liechtenstein flag.
Symbolism
The colors and symbols of the flag carry cultural, political, and regional meanings. The blue represents the sky, while red alludes to the "evening fires" that are lit inside houses throughout the country.[2] The crown – whose colour is disputed – epitomizes the "unity of the people and their prince."[2] While The World Factbook and Reuters describe it as gold in colour,[4][5] other sources – such as Whitney Smith in the Encyclopædia Britannica – describe it as yellow.[2][6]
Government flags
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Standard of the Government of Liechtenstein. |
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Flags of municipalities
The eleven municipalities each have their own flag.
Historical flags
Flag | Duration | Use | Description |
| 1719–1852 | Flag of the Principality of Liechtenstein | Two horizontal gold and red bands at 3:5 proportions. |
| 1852–1921 | Flag of the Principality of Liechtenstein | Two vertical blue and red bands at 3:5 proportions. |
| 1921–1937 | Flag of the Principality of Liechtenstein | Two horizontal blue and red bands at 3:5 proportions. |
| 1937–1982 | Flag of the Principality of Liechtenstein | Two horizontal blue and red bands at 3:5 proportions, and princely crown in top-left corner. |
References
- ↑ "Liechtenstein profile". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Smith, Whitney (July 17, 2013). "Flag of Liechtenstein". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
(subscription required)
- ↑ "History of Liechtenstein". Lonely Planet. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
- 1 2 3 "Liechtenstein". The World Factbook. CIA. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
- 1 2 Rainey, Venetia (July 24, 2012). "Flag bearing: a potted history". Reuters. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
- 1 2 3 Kindersley, Dorling (November 3, 2008). Complete Flags of the World. Dorling Kindersley Ltd. p. 148. ISBN 9781405338615. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
- ↑ "Leichtenstein [sic] orders seizure of Saddam jet in Amman". Agence France-Presse. February 26, 2004. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
(subscription required)
- ↑ "Saddam plane handed over". Cayman Compass. Associated Press. December 5, 2005. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
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