The Republic of Zimbabwe is a state in South Africa, a former colony of Britain. This is a country with a turbulent historical past and incredible natural beauties. What does the flag and coat of arms of Zimbabwe represent? What symbols do they carry? Find the answers in the article.
Zimbabwe: flag
The flag of the state is divided into seven horizontal stripes. All stripes have the same width, their colors are traditional for African countries and have symbolic meaning for Zimbabwe. The flag begins and ends with a green stripe. It symbolizes fertile land and a focus on agriculture.
Near the green stripes are yellow, symbolizing the natural minerals with which the country abounds. After the yellow stripes are followed by red ones. This is the color of blood that the inhabitants of the country shed, conquering freedom and independence. In the center is a black stripe symbolizing the local population.
Near the pole there is a triangle. Its white color is a symbol of peace and tranquility. On the triangle is a bird figure made of soapstone. The image repeats the silhouettes of the statuette found on the ruins of an ancient temple in Greater Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe bird is the national emblem of the state.
The red star - a symbol of socialism - is located behind the Great Bird.
Zimbabwe flag history
The flag was approved in 1980. Until that time, Zimbabwe experienced many historical events, and official symbols changed. When the country was a British colony, the flag was blue. In the left corner was the sign of Britain, and in the center was the coat of arms of the Zimbabwe colony. The flag for a long time (from 1927 to 1968) was almost the same, only the image of the coat of arms on it changed, and in 1964 the canvas turned blue.
The country is becoming part of Southern Rhodesia. Three equal vertical stripes appear on the flag: two green and one white between them. On a white strip was an image of the coat of arms of Rhodesia.
In 1979, the flag changes dramatically. On the right side of the canvas are three horizontal lines: red, white and green. Near the pole on a black vertical strip is an image of the Zimbabwe Bird statuette. The flag is approaching a modern look. A year later, other stripes appear on it, a white triangle, a red star, and the final version of the flag of the country is established, which is valid now.
Coat of arms of Zimbabwe
The national emblem of Zimbabwe is replete with symbols. The green heraldic shield is supported by Kudu antelopes, symbolizing the different ethnic groups of the country and their unity. Antelopes are standing on a mound dotted with the main crops grown in the country.
Above the coat of arms are a hoe and a submachine gun - symbols of labor and the struggle for peaceful existence. Even higher is the figure of a soapstone bird and a red star.
The green color of the shield means the fertility and wealth of the state’s lands. In its lower part stones are depicted - these are the ruins of Greater Zimbabwe. In the upper part, alternating wavy white and blue stripes are depicted, as a symbol of Victoria Falls - the national pride of the state.
Under the coat of arms a white ribbon wraps with the motto that contains the basic concept of the coat of arms composition and the country's political orientation: “Unity, freedom, work”.