The United Nations has been around for more than half a century, but not everyone knows what its flag is, what the UN emblem is, and what is the meaning of the image on the proudly waving flag near the headquarters in New York?
Symbol of reconciliation
In various emblems and emblems, their owners always put a certain message. Depending on the orientation of the organization and its activities, the image becomes an identification method. In old times it was customary to put frightening elements on various coats of arms, to indicate the successes and achievements of the owner. The UN emblem is designed to fully characterize the organization as peacekeeping.
It depicts a world map enclosed in olive branches. The logo image is white, and it is located on a blue background.
The meaning of the individual elements on the logo
The work of the Organization involves peacekeeping, assistance of its representatives to countries in difficult situations, in the area of natural disasters or military conflicts.
The image of the world map, which contains the UN emblem, is intended to convey to everyone that any country and nation on the planet can count on help and support, and two branches of an olive tree, as if palms hugging the Earth, symbolize peaceful thoughts. The olive branch is a peculiar brand of peace and harmony.
What do the colors on the UN flag mean?
The color scheme, in which the UN emblem is made, symbolizes the purity of thoughts. And although there is no official confirmation that the designers were guided by certain criteria when choosing colors, no, colors, their saturation, and shades always have an effect on a person’s perception of an image. White color is usually associated with innocence, crystal clearness. That was the impression designers made when they designed the logo for the United Nations. The whole world should have known that this structure is impartial, does not act as a representative of the interests of any of its participants and, as a whole, is absolutely impartial in its actions and judgments.
This UN philosophy is reinforced by the background, which depicts the symbol of the organization. The sky blue color of the flag is designed to demonstrate the strength and confidence, as well as the loyalty and authority that this institution has.
Plant element
Since ancient Greece, the olive branch has been considered a sign of prosperity and fertility. It was this plant that provided livelihoods in a dry country with stony soil and rather difficult living conditions. A good harvest of olives was vital for the whole country. In addition, according to legend, the goddess Athena created the olive tree .
In addition to Greek legends, the olive branch is also found in the Bible, its leaf brought the dove to Noah, which meant the end of God's anger and the beginning of a new life in accordance with a higher power. Therefore, it is not surprising that this plant is depicted on the UN emblem.
History of creation
He designed the emblem of Donald McLaughlin at the request of the General Assembly. Immediately after the founding of the UN, the organizers realized the need to have their own symbols and flag.
However, few people know that the modern emblem is not the only one. There were two options, the first was invented in 1945, but after some changes, a year later, the world saw the UN logo, which the organization still uses today.
At first glance, the coats of arms are not much different, but still there is a difference in them. The first option provided that the world map is located in the figure in a more vertical position. At the moment, it is an equidistant azimuthal projection.
The sketch of the emblem for the UN is also used as the official seal and drawing on the flag. Such a decision was made almost immediately after approval by the Assembly.
Use of flag and emblem
The seriousness and closeness of this organization is characterized by the fact that the UN emblem and flag should not be used without official permission. This decision was made in order to avoid illegal exploitation, as well as speculation by unscrupulous organizations.
To gain access and permission, you must contact the UN. To do this, you should write to their head office, or rather the Executive Secretary, who will file a petition for consideration by the UN Secretary General. The decision is made there, and on its basis the requestor receives a response.
Flag
The adoption of the flag as the emblem of the United Nations occurred somewhat later than its creation. The resolution dates from October 20, 1947. The decision was then adopted unanimously by all members of the General Assembly.
The flag is a blue cloth on which the image is applied. The UN emblem may be located on one or two sides at once. There are no clear recommendations and instructions in this regard. However, it must be centered. The size of the flag and its shape are also not mandatory criteria. What does it mean? Flags of both square and rectangular shapes are allowed.