The Kingdom of Tonga is a distinctive Polynesian state located on islands in the Pacific Ocean. Since the eighteenth century, Europeans have been actively involved in its history, and Great Britain even took it under its protectorate for seventy years. This significantly affected the local way of life and was reflected in the national symbols of the country. What does the flag of Tonga look like today? What other flags exist in the state?
Friendship Islands
The state of Tonga includes 177 islands, the total area of which does not exceed 750 km 2 . It has its own currency, its own language and is the only kingdom in Oceania, not counting the countries that are formally under the protectorate of Great Britain.
The first European to discover the archipelago was Captain James Cook. He called it the "Islands of Friendship", opening these lands for sailors and missionaries. The indigenous people of Tonga are Polynesians, whose ancestors arrived here in the XIII century BC. Today they make up about 96% of all residents of the country, which number just over 100 thousand people.
Europeans began to explore the islands of Tonga in the XVIII century. They brought here a new language, religion, education and laws, but even under the protectorate of Britain, the country managed to maintain a certain autonomy. Here, traditional dances are still practiced, purely Polynesian dishes are prepared, and the leaders are still especially revered members of society.
State flag of Tonga
The first national symbols of Tonga appeared during important historical events. Then the country was headed by George Tupou I, declaring it a kingdom, and himself, accordingly, king. He succeeded in ascending the throne with the support of British missionaries who propagandize Christianity to local residents.
Prior to this, the European religion was something new for the Tongai, and initial attempts to spread it among the inhabitants of the islands were unsuccessful. Not without the participation of George Tupow, Christianity has become an integral part of their lives. Even today, the overwhelming majority of the population professes it, and the motto “God and Tonga is my heritage” appears on the state emblem.
The flag of Tonga is also associated with religion. One of his early versions depicted a red cross in the middle of a white canvas. White color symbolized purity, and red - blood shed during the crucifixion of Jesus.
Later it turned out that the flag of Tonga completely repeats the emblem of the International Red Cross, and it had to be changed. The white canvas with a cross was now located in the upper left corner, and the rest of the canvas was painted solid red. In 1875, it was officially approved, and the Constitution of the country stipulated that the flag of Tonga can never be changed.
Other characters
In addition to the national flag, Tong has a royal standard and a naval flag. The king’s standard repeats the composition, which is depicted on the heraldic shield of the country's coat of arms.
His canvas is divided into four areas, which depict the main features of the state:
- Three white stars on a yellow background - a symbol of the main islands of Tonga: Tongatapu, Wawai, Haapai.
- Gold crown on a red background - the monarch of the state.
- White flying dove on a blue background with an olive branch in his mouth - the pursuit of peace and tranquility.
- Three crossed swords on a yellow background - three royal dynasties of Tonga.
Above the fields is a white six-pointed star with a red cross inside.
The banner of the naval forces of Tonga depicts the cross of St. George crossing a white cloth. Previously, it was often used in the symbolism of England, since the saint is its patron. On the upper left on the flag is a small equilateral red cross.