Most people do not know the history behind the Russian flag and emblem, but it is very interesting. In this article, we will provide you the facts behind the flag and emblem of one of the greatest countries in the world, the Russian Federation.

Russian Flag

Officially, the white, blue, and red flag was adopted as the official flag of Russia just before the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II in 1896. Before that time, the flag of the Russian Empire was black-yellow-white, which was used by various monarchist movements, and the white-blue-red flag was used as a trade and commercial flag of Russia dating back from the time of Peter the Great. The colors in the flag have specific meanings relating to Russia. Red means power, blue- the color of the Virgin Mary, which is under the protection of Russia, and white is the color of freedom and independence. Currently also, an unofficial version of the flags colors are as follows: white means peace and excellence, blue means faith and fidelity, and red symbolizes energy, strength, and bloodshed for Russia. 

The flag was a moderation of one of the earliest Danish Prints flag tricolor flags. Peter the Great, who worked in the Netherlands during the late 1690’s, came back to Russia and adapted the current flag, a little modified to the one he saw in the Netherlands. Russia has seen many different flags representing its country in the past 300 years. The monarchist flag of black, yellow, white, the current flag, and the Soviet Union flag which was hanging until December 26, 1991, when Mikhail Gorbachev ordered the current Russian flag to replace the Soviet Flag over the Kremlin. 

Russian Emblem

The State Emblem of the Russian Federation is a golden two-headed eagle, placed on a red heraldic shield. Above the eagle are three historical crowns of Peter the Great and in the clutches of the eagle are a scepter and an orb. On the chest of the eagle is a red shield with a horseman slaying a dragon. The golden two-headed eagle on a red field retains the historical continuity in the colors of the XV - XVII centuries. Above the heads of the eagle shows three historical crowns of Peter the Great, symbolizing the new conditions the sovereignty of the Russian Federation as a whole and its parts, the Federation, in its claws - scepter and orb, embodying state authority, and unified, on the chest - image of Saint George - defender Fatherland, spearing the dragon. This is one of the oldest symbols of the struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, and defending the homeland. Restoring the two-headed eagle as the State Emblem of Russia represents the continuity of Russian history. Today Russian coat of arms continues to show the strength of the country and inspire its people! Russia is one of the few countries in the world located on two continents, Europe and Asia. Therefore, one eagle's head is turned to the East, the other, to the West.

Russian Emblem Graffiti in St-Petersburg. Creative Approach :)