French Flag

French Flag

The Flag of France - Description of the French Flag

As the above picture of the French Flag indicates the overall background is Red, white and blue

The description of the French Flag is as follows:

Three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red known as the French Tricouleur (Tricolor)

According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the French flag represent the following:

White - peace and honesty

Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour

Blue - vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance & justice

All Flag pictures depict flags flying, from the viewer's point of view, from left to right

The shape and flag ratio of the French flag is described as 2:3 ( length 1½ times the height )

The Meaning & History of the French Flag

The French Revolution inaugurated the French tricolor flag

On 14 July 1790, the Champ de Mars was decked with the tricolor flags to celebrate the federation and became the symbol of the nation

July 14 is celebrated as Bastille Day in France

The Bastille was a little-used Paris prison which the people stormed in 1789

The storming of the Bastille was a symbolic act and initiated the French Revolution and the downfall of the French King and the aristocracy

In 1848 the motto "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" was adopted by the French nation