Each country has its own unique and inimitable symbolism, which is a mark of distinction and national pride. The Chinese flag and coat of arms are no exception. In this case, we will focus on them.
The first Chinese banners
The first mention of Chinese banners of modern design dates back to the beginning of our era. These flags were visually different from all other European standards in their structure. Chinese banners were made of silk, about which nothing was known in those distant times. And they looked much better than the same Roman ones, sewn from rough linens.
The national Chinese flag appeared only towards the end of the 18th century. It was a large white canvas, with numerous figures depicted on it. There were birds, snakes, Chinese mandarin and a blue-and-red spiral. However, the existence of this flag is not officially approved. Almost nothing was known about the Chinese Empire at that time. It was a fantastic state, closed to everyone.
Imperial ships sailed under a variety of flags. There was no unity here. Everything depended on the tastes and financial capabilities of the captains of the ships. Andnevertheless, by 1862 a single Chinese flag appeared on all ships. This was due to the emergence of the Anglo-Chinese fleet and the urgent demands of European politicians. The flag was a yellow triangle on which a dragon and the sun were depicted. Later it became rectangular and lasted until the fall of the Chinese Empire.
Symbolics
Of course, this flag was not chosen by chance. Each element here had a meaning and personified the traditions of the country. So, yellow in China was considered the color of the sun, majesty and deity. Even the emperor's kimono was yellow.
The dragon is the sacred symbol of the country. Unlike Russian and European legends, in China this creature was never considered evil and bloodthirsty. On the contrary, the dragon symbolized good luck, greatness, strength, power and goodness. He was worshiped and asked for protection and patronage. The traditional image of this creature: a lion's head, a snake's body with eagle's paws and fish scales. He was like that on the flag.
Modern Chinese flag
The first flag of the Republic of China proclaimed in 1911 was based on the principles of the Kuomintang Party. Today, this banner is officially flown in Taiwan.
But what does the Chinese flag look like today? The way it was created in October 1949. It was in that year that the country was declared the People's Republic of China and approved its official banner, which exists to this day.
The modern Chinese flag is a rectangular canvas of red color. At the treetop,the upper corner is embroidered with one large gold star and four smaller ones. The width of the flag is one and a half times less than the length. And the big star is three times larger than the small ones. The author of this state symbol was Cuen Liansong.
The red color of the flag symbolizes revolution. This is a reference to the neighboring Soviet Union, which at one time had a huge impact on China. But there are two opinions about the meaning of the stars. According to the first, they mean the Communist Party (large) and the four popular estates (small). The second version says that five stars symbolize the five most important areas of China.
Coat of arms of the country
The coat of arms was approved in 1950. It is a red circle, inside of which the Gate of Heavenly Peace is depicted. This is the entrance to the Forbidden City located in Beijing.
Like the Chinese flag, there are five stars shining above the Gate. The circle is framed with ears of wheat. This symbolizes the agricultural revolution. The large cogwheel, located in the lower center of the coat of arms, is the personification of the working class and industrialists. Well, the main element - the Gate of Heavenly Peace - is the unshakable faith of the Chinese people in ancient traditions.
