This Day in History. Approval of the French Flag
The article discusses the history and symbolism of the French flag, with a focus on its approval by the French Constitutional Assembly in 1794.
The article delves into the rich history behind the French flag, highlighting its colors and their significance. The blue color symbolizes France's glorious history, white represents hope, and red stands for the blood of ancestors, as explained by a former French prime minister. Various interpretations of the flag's colors are also presented, with a commonly accepted explanation linking them to the French republic's motto "Liberty, Brotherhood, Equality," which was established during the tumultuous days of the French Revolution.
The French flag, in its current form, was officially adopted on February 15, 1794, by the French Constitutional Assembly during the victorious aftermath of the Revolution. This assembly formalized the flag as a celebratory symbol of the collective triumph and democratic principles established during this pivotal moment in French history. The article mentions the historical significance of the flag dating back to Charles the Great, who received an earlier flag known as the "Oriflamme" from the Pope in the 9th century, showing how deeply rooted the tradition of national symbols is in French heritage.
Overall, the piece reflects on the evolution of the French flag, from its early origins to its modern-day representation of France's values and identity, underscoring its symbolic importance as both a national emblem and a reminder of the principles that define the French Republic.