Latvia Flag - Republic of

The Latvian flag was first mentioned in the chapters of Ditleb von Alnpeke’s Rhyme Chronicle of Livonia. This historical reference places the Latvian flag amongst the oldest flags in the world. The chronicle outlines a battle occuring around 1280, in which ancient Latvian tribes from the northern city of C?sis went to war bearing a red flag with a white stripe.

Another legend tells of a mortally wounded chief from a Latvian tribe who was wrapped in a white sheet. Where the chief laid on the sheet remained white, but the two edges were stained with his blood. When the next battle occured, his blood stained sheet was used as a the war flag. Legend states that under this banner, the Latvian warriors were successful in defeating their enemy.. Ever since, Latvian tribes have used these colours.

The Latvian flag of present day was designed by artist Ansis C?rulis in May 1917. It was affirmed together with the national coat of arms by special resolution of the Republic of Latvia Saeima on June 15, 1921. After the tumultuous period of Nazi and Soviet occupation between 1940 and 1989, the flag was re-adopted on February 27, 1990 and remains the official national flag.