Flag of Taiwan Symbolism Facts & Meaning: History & Trivia

I
Taiwan Flag History

Originating in the early 20th century, the flag of Taiwan is formally known as the Republic of China (ROC) flag. The imperial yellow flag of Taiwan, with a yellow background and a dragon designating the Qing Dynasty, existed until 1912. Following the Xinhai Revolution, the ROC was founded in 1912 and adopted its first flag, which had a twelve-pointed sun to represent the traditional hours and months as well as blue and white stripes to signify the five branches of the Chinese race. Symbolizing liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity, respectively, the design has endured over time, including a red sun, white stripes, and a navy blue background.

During World War II, Japan invaded Taiwan. The Republic of China (ROC) government in exile still continued to fly its flag in spite of this. Taiwan came back under Chinese rule, and the ROC flag was reinstituted following Japan’s defeat in 1945. But in 1949, the Communists’ conquest of the Chinese mainland forced the government of the Republic of China to flee to Taiwan due to the Chinese Civil War. Since it was adopted in 1912, the ROC flag’s design has stayed the same, with blue and white stripes and a sun with twelve points. Often referred to as the “Blue Sky, White Sun, and a Wholly Red Earth,” the current flag represents liberty, democracy (blue), equality, righteousness (white), and brotherhood (red sun).

II
Taiwan First vs Present-Day Flag

Flying under the Republic of China (ROC) in 1912, the original Taiwanese national flag had five horizontal white and blue stripes, symbolizing the five branches of Chinese lineage. Twelve dots in the center of a prominent sun represented the twelve months and the traditional Chinese hours.

The Kuomintang (KMT) officially adopted the Republic of China flag in 1928. Often called the Taiwan flag, it features a blue canton on a red background. The blue canton has a white sun with twelve triangles around it, symbolizing the sun and its light rays collectively. Essentially, it has a white sun with twelve rays set on a navy blue background.

III
Designer of Taiwan Flag

When Taiwan came under Japanese rule in 1895, Lu Haodong designed the first flag of Taiwan, often known as the Blue Sky with a White Sun flag.

In 1928, Lu Haodong designed the flag that is currently used in Taiwan, which is also known as the national flag of the Republic of China. The design had modifications in the run-up to the Chinese Revolution, notably the inclusion of a red background. This improved design, featuring a blue sky, a white sun, and a red background, is the Republic of China’s enduring national emblem.

IV
Symbolic Meaning of Taiwan Flag Design

Taiwan’s flag is officially recognized as the national flag of the Republic of China (ROC), and its design, colors, and figures all have important symbolic meanings.

Design

  • The flag’s design is straightforward but appealing. The blue canton in the top left corner takes up one-third of the flag’s height and width. It emanates a sun with twelve beams that are white.

Colors

  • Red: Red represents the sacrifice and blood of those who fought for Taiwan’s freedom and independence, as well as the vivaciousness of Taiwanese culture.
  • Blue: Taiwan is wide-open and full of possibilities. As well as connections to the outside world and its maritime past, blue is symbolic of the sky and the sea.
  • White: White is a color associated with purity, harmony, and equality. It reflects the sun as well.

Figures

  • White Sun: The white sun represents the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, as well as the cohesion and tenacity of the Taiwanese people.
  • Twelve Rays/Small Triangles: The twelve sun beams symbolize the everlasting energy of Taiwan and its people. They also represent the nation’s advancement and development.
  • Blue Rectangle: It signifies the sky, reflecting Taiwan’s vastness and infinite possibilities. It is also known as the blue sky.

V
Taiwan Flag Symbolic Importance

Taiwan’s flag is a potent emblem that captures the essence of the nation, its past hardships, and its cultural ideals. It represents the freedom, equality, and togetherness that characterize Taiwanese culture. Acting as the official emblem of the Republic of China, it represents Taiwan internationally and reflects the nation’s recognition around the globe and dedication to common values.

VI
Taiwan Flag Raising Ceremony

In Taiwan, flag-raising ceremonies are organized at important national locations and are held on holidays and important anniversaries. Usually, the national hymn “Zhōnghuá Mínguó Guógē” (中華民國國歌) is played to start the ceremony. The flag is progressively raised to the top of the flagpole, and there may be honor guards or military guards present. These public events, which are accessible to the public and frequently feature prominent government figures and dignitaries, encourage citizen engagement and a sense of patriotism.

Half-mast flying of the flag is a customary show of respect and grief that is practiced on important anniversaries, tragedies, and the passing of national leaders. As per the protocol, the flag is hoisted to the top of the pole for a short while before being progressively lowered to a midway point. The government normally decides when to fly the flag at half-mast, and how long it stays at half-mast depends on the occasion or the length of the mourning period. This practice respects the memories of people who have passed away and provides a meaningful statement of solidarity with those who are impacted.

VII
Taiwan Flag Rules and Etiquette

  • Display and Orientation: Present the flag with honor, making sure that it is oriented correctly. The blue rectangle should be positioned at the top of vertical displays and on the observer’s left in horizontal displays.
  • Illumination and Visibility: For nighttime visibility, proper lighting is necessary.
  • Respect and Alterations: Do not annotate, deface, or otherwise modify the flag as a display of respect. Furthermore, do not show the flag in commercials or use it for commercial gain.
  • Size and Prominence: Display with similar or larger-sized flags only when holding a position of prominence.
  • Flagpoles and Mountings: The flag should be firmly fastened, and flagpoles should be in good working order. Make sure the flag stays off the ground.
  • Official Events: Observe certain customs when attending formal gatherings or ceremonies.

VIII
Traditional Taiwan Flag Display Customs

  • National Day (October 10th): Prominent locales, like Taipei’s Liberty Square, have grand flag-raising ceremonies. Both the national anthem and the flag are ceremoniously and precisely raised.
  • Armed Forces Day (September 3rd): The flag is hoisted in observance of the armed forces on Armed Forces Day, usually with military demonstrations. The flag is a major part of events and parades on this day.
  • Presidential Inaugurations: The flag is flown in a prominent position at the inauguration of a new president. In front of the flag, the president-elect takes the oath of office.
  • Double Tenth National Day: This day, which falls on October 10th, commemorates the 1911 Wuchang Uprising. On many occasions, the flag is flown proudly and traditional ceremonies are conducted.
  • ROC Founding Day: January 1st is frequently referred to as the “Founding Day of the Republic of China,” and flag-raising ceremonies are held to honor the ROC’s formation in 1912.

IX
Taiwan Flag Trivia

Taiwan’s status is a contentious issue on a global scale since Taiwan maintains its sovereignty while the People’s Republic of China claims it as part of its territory. Taiwan’s flag is more significant because of this political unrest. The flag represents Taiwanese aspirations for independence in addition to national identity. The international community avoids taking firm stances as a result of the PRC’s assertion, which exacerbates the situation. Notwithstanding obstacles, Taiwan’s flag continues to be a potent representation of national pride, tenacity, and the quest for complete independence.

X
Taiwan Flag in Legends and Mythology

Although the Republic of China (ROC) flag, which is flown in Taiwan, does not directly originate from mythology, Chinese history and culture had a significant influence on its design. Reminiscent of ancient Chinese mythology, the white sun with twelve rays symbolizes life, warmth, and prosperity. The twelve rays stand for the everlasting spirit and hope for unceasing advancement. In Chinese cosmology, the notion of “qi” is reflected in the crimson backdrop, signifying passion and perseverance. The flag is a potent symbol of national pride and identity, with a rich symbolic tradition steeped in philosophical and cultural ideas, even if it is not specifically associated with any stories.

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