Flag of Laos Symbolism Facts & Meaning: History & Trivia
I
Laos Flag History
The Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, which featured the white elephant and white parasol as symbols, sets the origins where the Lao flag can be traced, also known as the “Lao People’s Democratic Republic Flag”. But at the time, there was no such thing as a contemporary national flag. During the French colonial era, Laos adopted a flag with three white elephant heads on a red background with the French flag in the corner. To set the country apart from Luang Prabang’s royal banner, Maha Sila Viravong created a new national flag in 1945. The flag was approved on October 12, 1945, the day the administration of Lao Issara was established.
Laos flew a red flag with a white three-headed elephant on it from 1953 to 1975 as a symbol of the merging of the three former kingdoms of Champasak, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane. The nine-tiered structure above the five-tiered pedestal holding the elephant, which stood in for the royal family, was designed in such a manner.
The constitutionally acknowledged national flag of Laos is Maha Sila Viravong’s 1945 design, which was reestablished in 1975 in the aftermath of Pathet Lao’s victory and the proclamation of Laos as a communist state. The rectangular form with three horizontal stripes make up this flag’s distinctive features. The height of the red stripes at the top and bottom is half that of the center blue stripe. A white disc with a representation of Buddhism’s Dharma wheel is in the center of the blue stripe. The ratio of the flag’s dimensions is 2:3.
II
Laos First vs Present-Day Flag
During the Lan Xang Kingdom, which ruled Laos from 1353 until 1707, the first flag design was in use. It was unlike any national flag we are accustomed to seeing nowadays. The white elephant and white parasol were instead the kingdom’s primary emblems. Nevertheless, at this time, there was no official national flag.
Since Laos became a communist state in 1975, the current flag has been in use, and it has a more traditional design with a 2:3 two-sided ratio. The rectangular form is defined by three horizontal stripes, with a double-tall blue stripe in the center compared to the red stripes at the top and bottom. A simple white disc sits in the center of the blue stripe.
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Designer of Laos Flag
The person who designed the original flag that was flown in Laos throughout its formative years, notably during the time of the Lan Xang Lao Kingdom, is unclear. Symbols like the white elephant and white parasol were present on the flag throughout this time, although the flag’s creator is unknown.
Often credited to Maha Sila Viravong, the current Laotian flag has been in use since the nation’s communist statehood in 1975. Even though the flag’s specific designer may have received aid from a variety of people during that time period, Viravong frequently receives credit for his participation in its production.
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Symbolic Meaning of Laos Flag Design
The Laotian flag is highly symbolic, having important connotations associated with its design, colors, and figures:
Design
- The blue horizontal band on Laos’s tricolor flag is twice as broad as the red bands at the top and bottom. The flag is rectangular in form. In the midst of the blue band is a white disk.
Colors
- Red: The red stripes at the top and bottom signify the Lao people’s bravery and sacrifice in their quest for independence and freedom.
- Blue: The central blue stripe represents Laos’ richness and prosperity, as well as the country’s unity under the socialist government.
- White: The white color of the disc represents purity and integrity, essential values for the Laotian people.
Figures
- White Circle: Placed at the center of the blue stripe, the white circle represents the nation’s unity under the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
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Laos Flag Symbolic Importance
Laos’ flag represents the country’s unity and independence under the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. It depicts the nation’s history as well as distinct areas, with three stripes indicating regional coherence. Its design, which does not include any particular figures, represents Laos’ significant Buddhist past as well as the country’s 1975 socialist statehood. All things considered, the flag is a potent representation of the nation’s identity, history, and journey toward independence.
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Laos Flag Raising Ceremony
As an expression of pride and solidarity in the country, “Pheng Xat Lao,” the national hymn, is frequently played during important flag-raising events in Laos. These ceremonies are held on a number of occasions, such as international meetings, government and official events, and national holidays. A designated individual raises the flag during the national anthem. This ceremony is held on national holidays, at government buildings, and on international stages. It symbolizes unity and pride.
During the playing of the national anthem, an appointed individual raises the flag. This gesture is made in remembrance of notable national personalities as well as in response to important international events. It additionally serves as a gesture of respect and homage at the sites of national tragedies, particularly those stemming from natural disasters. To symbolize empathy and solidarity in difficult times, the flag is raised to its maximum height and then slowly lowered to a point halfway down the flagpole.
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Laos Flag Rules and Etiquette
Here are some key guidelines for the flag rules and etiquette of Laos:
- Display and Placement: Every day, the Lao flag ought to be respectfully hoisted at sunrise and dropped at sunset. When the Lao flag is exhibited among other flags, it should be hoisted higher and put in a prominent position.
- Respect and care: The Laotian flag ought to be handled with decency and dignity, and it ought to be maintained tidy and in excellent shape.
- Use in Official Events: At formal ceremonies, Laos is represented with the Lao flag, which is a significant national emblem. The flag’s flying signifies the existence and pride of Laos as a nation.
- Parades and Ceremonies: The flag should always be held with dignity and respect during parades and formal occasions, and it ought not to be dipped or bowed to any person or thing.
- Decorative Use: It is against the law to use the Laotian flag in any manner that might be interpreted as demeaning.
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Traditional Laos Flag Display Customs
- Spiritual and Religious Festivals: Flags, banners, and vibrant decorations may be hung in and around temples and pagodas during various spiritual and religious festivals as a way to commemorate and celebrate religious and cultural customs.
- Buddhist Events: Flags may be used as decorations or in religious processions at Buddhist rituals or events. These flags usually have Buddhist symbols or prayers on them, which deviates from the national flag’s stringent requirements.
- Local Flag Variations: Traditional flags that represent specific groups or locations may fly alongside the national flag in some remote parts of Laos. There may be customs and methods for flying these flags.
- Baci Ceremony: In Laos, the Baci ceremony is an important spiritual and cultural occasion. To represent harmony and good fortune, white cotton threads are tied around the wrists. Small ceremonial flags may occasionally be used in this ritual.
- New Year Celebrations: Tiny triangle pennants or flags representing the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—are frequently flown during the customary Pi Mai Lao festivals in April. Typically, these flags are hung at temples and residences as gifts to the spirits.
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Laos Flag Trivia
In Vientiane, the capital of Laos, stands one of the world’s tallest flagpoles, reaching approximately 50 meters (164 feet) in height. Situated at That Luang, a significant Buddhist temple and national monument, this monumental flagpole was constructed in 2012 to fly the Lao flag. A popular tourist attraction, it is constructed of concrete and steel, weighing over 1,000 tons, and supported by 12 guy wires. The flagpole has three levels: a platform, an observation deck with panoramic city views, and the actual pole itself.
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Laos Flag in Legends and Mythology
Although the Laotian flag isn’t directly associated with any myths or stories, its design has cultural and symbolic meaning in Laotian Buddhism and history. The white circle in the middle of the flag is thought to depict the full moon rising over the Mekong River, representing peace, harmony, and prosperity.
It is connected to the dharmachakra, the Buddhist symbol for the path to enlightenment. A symbol of the nation’s rich heritage when it comes to culture and Buddhist values, the dharmachakra has given meaning the prominence of Buddhism in Laos. These tales, however fictitious, demonstrate the significance of the flag to the Lao people. It represents their history, culture, and sense of national identity.
