flag symbol facts

Certain symbols in flags are used in different countries.  All cultures use certain symbols which are meaningful to them, some of the symbols are even universal, that is they have the same meaning all over the world.

• Sun: The circle of the sun represents unity and energy.

Japan is referred to be the "land of the rising sun" and uses the sun (simplified as a circle) in its national flag. Another country using this powerful symbol: Argentina.

• Moon: The moon is usually displayed in crescent shape to distinguish it from the symbol of the sun. In combination with a star, the moon represents divinity and especially the Islam.

Tunisia has got three powerful symbols in its national flag: the Red Crescent moon and one red star rest in a white circle representing the sun, which you will see in the picture to the right. Other countries using this symbol: Turkey, Singapore.

• Stars: Constellations of stars often symbolize energy, especially when depicting the night sky or star constellation

The flag of the USA is called "Stars and Stripes”. Other countries using the stars as symbol: Australia, New Zealand, Brazil.

• Cross: In ancient times the cross only symbolized the different points of the compass, in the 4th century however the cross was also taken as the symbol of faith.

Countries using this symbol: England (see the flag to the right), Sweden, Norway , Switzerland

• Triangle: The three points of a triangle represent the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in Christianity. The triangle often also symbolizes strenght and power. Countries using this symbol: Bahamas, Eritrea, Sudan, American Samoa and others

• Square: The four even lengths of the square symbolize balance and equal opposites.

The Swiss flag is the only square flag in the world.