History of the flag of the Russian Federation. Description and meaning of the flag of the Russian Federation

Each Power must have its own official distinctive features, in particular its national flag. It is the most recognizable symbol of the country, as it is individual and unique. Let's consider what the state flag represents in general and the Russian flag in particular, we learn about the significance of the tricolor in our symbols, and also about the history of the flag of the Russian Federation. But before that we will get acquainted with general information about this symbolism.

What is the national flag?

As a rule, it represents a certain proportions of the cloth, which can be made from the fabric of one or several colors. The flag is often placed national emblem or emblem. With the help of colors and images contained on it, the socio-political structure of a given country can be reflected.

The meaning of the flag for the state

In ancient times to determine at a great distance the belonging of soldiers, a settlement, a ship to a particular country was a big problem. To solve it, a flag was created. Then the ravaged cloth of bright colors, raised in a conspicuous place, became the best means of identification.

The flag of the country as a state symbol is extremely important for the upbringing of patriotism, love for one's homeland, a sense of blood and spiritual unity with previous generations, people who defended its sovereignty. He connects the life of every citizen with the fate of his country and has great significance in international relations.

Many Russians are wondering what the flag of the Russian Federation means. There is no unambiguous official interpretation on this matter. Attempts are made to link its colors with the values adopted in ancient times, the events of the last centuries on the territory occupied by the Russian Empire, as well as the processes that have occurred recently.

What is the flag of the Russian Federation to date?

The main symbol of the country is made in the form of a rectangular panel. It consists of three horizontally equal bands of width. The upper one is white, the middle one is blue, and the lower one is red. The ratio of width to length is 2: 3.

The history of the flag of the Russian Federation in its present form begins in August 1991, when in Moscow the white and blue-red tricolor, which was used in the pre-revolutionary period, was raised again over the White House, where the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR met. Legislatively, its application was fixed in November 1991. Then the width of the flag to its length was 1: 2. The proportion was changed by 2: 3 presidential decree in December 1993. The "Statute on the State Flag of the Russian Federation" lists all the important nuances. Later, on December 25, 2000, the President of Russia signed a law containing the description and status of the flag. This document is still valid today and has a constitutional character.

History of the creation of the flag of the Russian Federation

During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, the father of Peter the Great, in 1668, as a symbolism, tricolor was used to designate the first warship named "Eagle". And although the colors were the same, but the design of the flag was different. Historians to this day have not found his exact image. But we can say with confidence that this is the prototype of the modern flag of Russia.

After that, the son of Alexei Mikhailovich, Emperor Peter the First, used this tricolor on his yacht. It was called the flag of the Moscow Tsar. Unlike the first variant, the prototype of the modern symbols of the Russian state, it was almost identical to the modern version. It also consisted of three equal bands: the upper band - white, the middle - blue, and the bottom - red. But still there was a difference. In the middle of the panel was depicted a golden double-headed eagle. In addition, the flag was not a symbol of the whole state, but only of Peter the Great himself.

As is known, in the past centuries the merchant fleet played an important role in the life of the country. It was a bridge between the Russian state and other countries. Therefore, there was simply a need for a symbol that would designate the Russian fleet. In 1720, tricolor became the official flag. True, only the merchant fleet of the country. It is completely identical to the modern flag of Russia. However, it did not have the same all-round significance. It was used during the holidays (according to the decree of 1883 Alexander III).

As a national flag, the white-blue-red tricolor was approved in 1896 before the coronation of Nicholas II. But in Soviet times it was replaced by a monophonic red cloth with a gold sickle, a hammer and a star.

The history of the state flag of the Russian Federation in its modern form continued in November 1991, when the same white-blue-red stripes were recognized as the official constituents in the main element of national symbols. Then it was fixed in the position approved by the presidential decree in December 1993. A special federal law establishing the legal status and procedures for the use of the Russian flag was signed by the President on December 25, 2000.

The meaning of the colors of the Russian flag

The state symbols of the country have some allegory. The description of the flag of the Russian Federation should begin with its coloring. Let's look at what it means.

Once white was associated with nobility and frankness. Blue - with honesty and faithfulness, impeccability and chastity. Red symbolized masculinity, courage, generosity and love. Later, the interpretation of scarlet color as a symbol of continuity, solidarity of the Slavic peoples spread.

The history of the flag of the Russian Federation has preserved evidence of various options for explaining the choice of colors of the tricolor. According to one of them, he showed the unity of the Orthodox Church, the sovereign power and the people, where the white band was the symbol of faith, the blue one was the power, and the red symbolized the Russian people.

At the beginning of the last century there was an opinion that the first band meant freedom, the second indicated the patronage of the Virgin, and the latter designated the state. Today, as before, judgments are expressed that the colors of the Russian flag are associated with such concepts as faith, hope and love.

Using the flag

The symbolism of the country in its present form was legislatively restored in 1991. The adopted decrees show us the significance of the Russian Federation flag for the life of the country and society, as well as its role in international legal relations.

So, the flag should be constantly raised on the buildings of government. They are decorated with other objects in the days of national holidays. Its image is placed on cars, airplanes and ships of the country's top leaders. In accordance with the ritual established by the President of the country, he must rise every day in military units and formations. The law also provides other options for using this official symbol of the state.

Conclusion

The role of the flag of Russia is extremely important for the life of the modern state and its future socio-political development, positioning the country in the world. He performs an important task and is a symbol of patriotism.

A special place is occupied by the history of the flag of the Russian Federation, which briefly reflects the socio-political processes taking place in society. The symbol of the country is not a static concept, but an important element of its sovereignty, having its own logic of development. Therefore, the history of the emergence of the flag of the Russian Federation requires its constant study by specialists in heraldry, scientists, the public.