The modern flag of Georgia (photo below) was officially approved by the country's parliament in 2004. It should be noted that before this it was used by the National Movement, headed by Mikheil Saakashvili, in the form of a state symbol. Along with this, one of the local scientists, Joseph Bachikashvili, claims that the five crosses that are applied to him have been used for a very long time. A vivid proof of this is their images, which archaeologists discovered during excavations of the ruins of churches that existed in the VI - XV centuries.
General Description and Symbolism
The flag of Georgia in itself is a canvas made in white, on which five red crosses are applied. One of them (the largest) is St. George's and is located in the center. Four equilateral Bolnisi crosses are small in size and are located in four squares in the corners. It should be noted that these images on a white (silver) background are considered a common Christian symbol and symbolize Jesus Christ the Savior with four evangelists. As for the use of white, heraldry interprets it as a designation of wisdom, purity, innocence and purity, while red is a symbol of courage, love, justice and courage.
Legislation
As noted above, the flag of Georgia was adopted in 2004. The corresponding decision is approved at the legislative level. In particular, the second article of the document specifically describes the sizes and images that are applied to the national symbol. In addition, the law provides for the use of colors and shades for him, which are strictly prohibited to change.
History of Georgian Flags
The beginning of the twentieth century was marked for the Russian Empire (at that time Georgia was part of it) by the civil war. As a result, the country proclaimed its independence. In addition, a parliament was formed. Soon after, the supreme legislative body of the state issued a resolution on the competition for the sketch of the country's flag. Its winner was the project of Yakov Nikoladze.
Be that as it may, the democratic republic existed for a very short time. In 1921, Soviet troops were brought into the country, and the old flag of Georgia lost its relevance. A little later, the new banner of the country was a red flag, in the upper left corner of which was inscribed "SSRG". In 1930, she was translated into Georgian. Ten years later, the Supreme Council adopted the new version. From now on, the flag turned red, and in the upper left corner the inscription "USSR" was applied in golden color.
On April 11, 1951, the next flag of Georgia appeared. On a red canvas, a blue stripe was drawn from above. On a square of the same color in the corner was a circle with red sickle and hammer. Above them was a five-pointed star. 24 rays diverged from the circle in different directions. This version lasted almost forty years. On November 14, 1990, the Supreme Council of the Republic decided to return the national symbol of the 1918 model. It was used in the country until 2004.
State emblem
One of the national symbols of Georgia is also the coat of arms, which was adopted on October 1, 2004. In his role is the image of a red shield on which a silver figure of St. George is painted on a horse (patron saint of the country), striking a dragon with a spear. Above the shield is a golden crown that is supported by lions. Under his image you can see a ribbon with an inscription that has become the motto of the state - “Strength in unity”. It should be noted that the coat of arms is based on the medieval symbol of the royal Georgian house Bagrationi.
In the days of the independent republic, the coat of arms, like the flag of Georgia, was different. In particular, a seven-pointed star framed by a golden ornament was used as a symbol. In the center of it was a shield with the appearance of St. George, sitting on a white horse. In his right hand he had a golden spear prepared for battle, while in his left he held a shield. Above the head of the rider was a golden eight-pointed star, to the right of it was the sun, and to the left was the month. Under the hooves was the top of the mountain, and under the month and the sun - two more eight-pointed stars. The author of this version of the coat of arms was Yevgeny Lansere, a Georgian academician. In 1991, after the restoration of the country's independence, it was adopted again, and in 2004 it was updated to the modern version.
Anthem of Georgia
The anthem, like the coat of arms and flag of Georgia, is considered the national symbol of the state and was approved in April 2004. The author of his text was the modern poet David Magradze, and the music for him was taken from the operas Daisi and Abesalom and Eteri Zakhariya Paliashvili. The song was called “Tavisupleba”, which literally means “Freedom”. It should be noted that in its text mainly quotes from classical Georgian works are used.