Netherlands Flag

The History of the Dutch Flag

A Tricolor with a Long and Colorful History

The Origins of the Dutch Flag

The national flag of the Netherlands is a tricolor flag. The horizontal fesses are bands of equal size in the colors red, white, and blue from top to bottom. Its width-to-length ratio is 2 to 3.

The Prince's Flag

The first reference to the Dutch flag dates from 1572. At that time it was known as the Prince's Flag and the colors were orange, white, and blue. The orange represented the House of Orange, which was the ruling family of the Netherlands at the time.

The Red, White, and Blue Flag

In the 16th century, William I, Prince of Orange, became a leader of the Dutch revolt against Spain. The Prince's Flag became a symbol of the Dutch struggle for independence. After the Netherlands gained its independence in 1648, the red, white, and blue flag was adopted as the national flag.

The Official Adoption

The Dutch flag was officially adopted on February 19, 1937. It is a horizontal tricolor of red, white, and blue from top to bottom. The red represents strength and bravery, the white represents purity and innocence, and the blue represents loyalty and truth.

Conclusion

The Dutch flag is a symbol of the country's long and proud history. It is a reminder of the Dutch people's struggle for independence and their commitment to the values of strength, purity, and loyalty.