Flag of Brunei Symbolism Facts & Meaning: History & Trivia
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Brunei Flag History
Although the early origins of Brunei’s flag is unknown, it is thought that during the height of the Bruneian Empire in the 14th and 15th centuries, flags or emblems signifying Brunei were in use. When European nations like the Portuguese and British started to engage with the area in the sixteenth century, Brunei probably used a variety of emblems or flags to distinguish themselves. But there isn’t much exact information available regarding these early signals.
The flag of Brunei has changed over time to represent the political history of the nation. Brunei became a protectorate of Great Britain in the late 1800s, and it is probable that a British-style flag was flown at this time. Any flags in use during the time most certainly had some British influence on their design. During World War II (1941–1945), the Japanese occupied Brunei. Nevertheless, it is uncertain if they enforced a particular flag on the island nation. Brunei was temporarily under British military authority after the war until its return to civilian administration. As Brunei progressed toward independence in 1959, an official flag was chosen.
The Bruneian flag has a yellow background with two diagonal bands: a black band that starts from the upper hoist side and is roughly twice as wide at the top as its white band. The red national emblem, which is a swallow-tailed flag atop a winged column encased in an upturned crescent over a scroll and flanked by two raised hands, is present in the middle. The state motto is written on the symbol in Arabic script which is translated as “Always render service with God’s guidance”. Below this is a ribbon inscribed with the name of the country in Jawi: بروني دارالسلام; Brunei Darussalam, which means ‘Brunei, the Abode of Peace’. Adopted on September 29, 1959, the design represents Brunei’s historical, cultural, and religious identity.
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Brunei First vs Present-Day Flag
The flag of the Protectorate of Brunei, which was in use from 1906 to 1959, featured a yellow field with two diagonal bands: one black band that started at the upper hoist side and was almost twice as wide as the top white band. In contrast to the current flag, the Protectorate era’s banner lacked any symbol or badge in the middle.
The present flag of Brunei was adopted on September 29, 1959, and it has two diagonal bands: a black band that starts at the upper hoist side and is almost twice as broad at the top as the white band. The national emblem is positioned in the center, with two outstretched hands on either side of a swallow-tailed flag that is placed on a winged column inside an inverted crescent atop a scroll. The Arabic text on the emblem reads, “Always render service with God’s guidance,” which is the official state motto. The name of the country, “Brunei, the Abode of Peace,” بروهي دارالسلام, is written on a ribbon underneath the crescent. (Brunei Darussalam).
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Designer of Brunei Flag
It is unknown who designed Brunei’s first official flag. In 1906, Brunei adopted its first official flag.
As Brunei moved closer to becoming an independent nation from the British administration in 1958, Yura Halim was asked to create a new flag for the nation. He was a designer and artist who was born in 1931 and had a big impact on Brunei’s national identity. Halim submitted many designs, and on September 29, 1959, his creation was officially adopted as Brunei’s flag.
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Symbolic Meaning of Brunei Flag Design
The Bruneian flag is a symbol of the country’s unique identity, rich history, and culture. It is a beautiful and meaningful flag that is recognized and respected around the world.
Design
- On top of a yellow backdrop, there are two diagonal bands: a larger black band that begins at the upper hoist side and a smaller white band that ends below it. The red national insignia, which is centered, has two outstretched hands on either side of an upturned crescent above a scroll, with a swallow-tailed flag perched on a winged column. Arabic lettering bears the state slogan, “Always render service with God’s guidance,” on the symbol. The nation’s name, Ĩروهي دارالسلام (Brunei Darussalam), is written in Jawi beneath the symbol, meaning ‘Brunei, the Abode of Peace.’
Colors
- Yellow: represents the Sultan of Brunei.
- White: depicts honesty and innocence.
- Black: denotes the main ministers of the nation.
- Red (on the emblem): reflects the government.
Figures
- Swallow-tailed Flag: symbolizes both the flag and Brunei’s independence.
- The winged Column: represents freedom of religion and justice.
- Upturned Crescent: reflects the top ministers of the state.
- Scroll: contains the Arabic translation of the state motto, which reads, “Always render service with God’s guidance.”
- Upraised Hands: represent the government’s promise to assist the people under divine direction.
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Brunei Flag Symbolic Importance
A powerful symbol of Brunei’s history and identity, the flag symbolizes the nation’s ascent to freedom. With its striking colors and symbolic components, its design embodies Brunei’s dedication to religious principles, cultural heritage, and peace. The use of Jawi and Arabic script highlights the importance of cultural and linguistic heritage. Ultimately, the flag represents Brunei’s sovereignty, cultural diversity, and commitment to values like justice, peace, and divine direction in serving the country. It serves as a uniting symbol.
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Brunei Flag Raising Ceremony
Every day, the Bruneian flag is ceremoniously raised at a number of sites, including government buildings and schools. The timing of the ceremony is usually 8:00 AM. However, it might change. A group of people, frequently a member of the armed forces or the government, raises the flag to the top of the flagpole during the ceremony in a smooth and controlled manner. Standard flag-raising practices include the smooth and controlled action of raising the flag to the top of the pole, saluting attendees, and singing the national song, “Brunei Darussalam.” Those in attendance then salute the flag.
In the past, the flag of Brunei has been flown at half-mast on particular days to honor the departed or to remember national disasters. For example, upon the death of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III in 1967, the flag was lowered for a week. During this ceremonial act, it is customary to lower the flag to half-mast, raise it to full-mast once more, and sing the national song.
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Brunei Flag Rules and Etiquette
The flag of Brunei is a symbol of national pride and identity. As such, it is important to treat the flag with respect and to follow the proper flag rules and etiquette.
- Handling the Flag: When handling the flag, avoid it touching the ground, wearing it as clothing, flying it at night or in bad weather, flying it from a moving vehicle, or flying it below other flags.
- Displaying the Flag: Brunei’s flag is flown from a taller flagpole on the left side when viewed from the street. It is typically at full mast unless lowered for mourning or national tragedies. The flag is exclusively flown on specific occasions like national holidays, sports events, and official ceremonies.
- Proper Disposal of the Flag: Using a clean white bag, fold and lay the worn flag inside. At a military base or government office, dispose of it with dignity.
- Respecting the Flag: You should take off your hat, stand at attention, and refrain from utilizing the flag for political or commercial gain when the national anthem is playing.
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Traditional Brunei Flag Display Customs
- Traditional Malay Houses: Especially during festivals and other important events, traditional Malay homes frequently fly the Bruneian flag on their rooftops.
- Flag on Boats and Ships: Every boat and ship registered in Brunei flies the national flag.
- Royal Birthdays: On the Sultan’s and his family’s birthdays, the Bruneian flag is flown over all government buildings and educational institutions.
- Sporting Events: At athletic competitions, Brunei’s flag is flown to demonstrate support for the national team.
- Wedding ceremonies: The Bruneian flag is frequently flown in the wedding venue throughout the festivities. The bride and groom’s houses may fly the flag as well.
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Brunei Flag Trivia
One of the unique aspects of Brunei’s flag is its national slogan, which makes it one of the few in the world to openly express the nation’s religious identity. The slogan on the Bruneian flag about seeking Allah’s guidance is written in Arabic script. The incorporation of religious feeling into the national symbol emphasizes Brunei’s devotion to seeking guidance from Allah in its activities and highlights the vital role that Islam plays in the country.
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Brunei Flag in Legends and Mythology
According to legend, Awang Alak Betatar, the inaugural King of Brunei, received guidance from the Prophet Muhammad in a vision to adopt a flag featuring a yellow background, a red crescent, and a white star. The yellow symbolizes the Prophet’s robe, the red represents martyrdom, and the white denotes peace and harmony. This narrative infuses a spiritual aspect into the symbolism of Brunei’s flag.
