The flag of Finland is a blue cross on a white background. The blue color represents the country’s thousands of lakes and the sky, while the white color symbolizes the snow and the purity of the Finnish nature. The flag was officially adopted on May 29, 1918, after Finland gained independence from Russia.
The design of the flag was created by a Finnish artist named Akseli Gallen-Kallela, who was inspired by the Nordic cross flag used by other Scandinavian countries. The blue cross is placed in the center of the flag, with each arm of the cross extending to the edge of the flag. The proportions of the flag are 11:18, which means that the width of the flag is 11/18 of its length.
The flag of Finland is an important symbol of the country’s national identity and is used in many official and ceremonial occasions. It is also commonly flown by Finnish citizens on their homes and businesses. The flag is particularly important during the Finnish Independence Day, which is celebrated on December 6th each year.
The flag of Finland has undergone some changes over the years, particularly in the shade of blue used. The current shade of blue was standardized in 1978, and is known as “Finland blue”. The flag is also sometimes used with a coat of arms in the center, which features a crowned lion holding a sword and a sheaf of wheat.
Overall, the flag of Finland is a simple yet powerful symbol of the country’s history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a source of pride for the Finnish people and a recognizable symbol around the world.