Country flags reveal more than you realize. Along with China’s comprehensive history, the Chinese flag shows more!
Every nation has its own flags. The national flag represents particular countries‘ cultures, identities, and history. In addition, some show the most respected institutions, such as religious institutions and the monarchy. It serves as a national symbol and is widely used for signaling and decorating.
Throughout history, the flags of many nations have undergone several redesigns—even an enormous nation with such a rich history as China. For example, before the People’s Republic of China was established on October 1, 1949, the country’s name would change with each new dynasty. Because of this, it’s not surprising that they have flown under many flags in the past.
Let’s spend some time getting to know the modern Chinese flag before learning about the flags that have been flown in the past.
Today’s Chinese Flag
The modern flag of China is a red color background with five golden stars set at the canton. This Chinese flag is also known as the Five-star Red Flag or the National Flag of the People’s Republic of China. The pattern consists of one huge star and four smaller stars at an angle pointing toward the biggest star. Since the invention of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949, it has flown over the country as the national flag of China.
Let’s learn more about the elaborate designs used in the China flag.
Red Background
The color red reflects the success of the Chinese Communist Revolution.
Five Golden Yellow Stars
The color of golden yellow stars can be interpreted in many different ways. Since yellow has significant historical meaning in China, it is a fitting color to symbolize the Machu dynasty. And the color also reflects an emperor. So, five yellow stars on a flag… what do they mean?
- The Meaning Of Large Yellow Star
It’s widely held that the large star on the Chinese flag represents the Chinese Communist Party. It’s the leading position in the country.
- The Meaning Of Four Smaller Stars
Each smaller star has a point directed toward the bigger star’s heart. They are said to symbolize the four socioeconomic classes of the people’s republic of china, which are farmers, laborers, academics, and the military.
Flag Of The Republic Of China
The flag was created in 1895 by the anti-Qing party to revive China Society. The Kuomintang adopted this design in 1928 as the official flag of the Republic of China (ROC). Also, the Chinese Navy has used it since 1912. Since 1949, when the People’s Republic of China was established, the flag has not been used in official capacities anywhere within mainland China. After losing the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the ROC fled to Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, and other remote islands, where the flag is mainly flown today.
Now, let’s explore some of China’s most ancient flags.
Some Of The Early China Flags
The Qing Dynasty – 大清 (Dà Qīng)
As we mentioned earlier, China has changed its name regarding the dynasty and the flag that used to change shape and color. The China flag was the “Yellow Dragon Flag,” in a triangle shape used by the Qing dynasty (China’s last imperial dynasty), and later changed to a rectangle dragon flag. It was used from 1862 until the monarchy was dissolved.
The Ming Dynasty – 大明 (Dà Míng)
Following the fall of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty in 1368, the Great Ming rose to power in China and ruled until 1644. The flag is a bright yellow triangular shape with a thin black edge and a pair of jagged teeth at the top. The dynasty’s name is written in black on a white circle with a black edge.
The Tang Dynasty – 唐朝 (Táng Cháo)
It was a Chinese imperial dynasty that lasted from A.D. 618 to 907. The flag of this dynastic period was unique. At the end of the Tang dynasty, it had a whole red field. The Sinograph of the Empire was written in black letters around a golden sun. There was a gold border on some editions and none on others.
In Summary
As we have seen, the Chinese flag contains a wealth of information about the country’s past. It represents a nation’s history and progress from its early days to the present. Moreover, it’s not simply the flag’s colors and design that enable non-native speakers and Chinese language students to understand more about the country; the flag itself is a visual introduction to the culture.
Learn Chinese With Ling Now!
Mastering Chinese culture is only half the battle; gaining a better understanding of the Chinese language is just as crucial. Invest in the perfect app that will provide you access to a wealth of resources.
We bring up Ling, the most influential Chinese language learning app available today. You can improve your language skills quickly and easily with the many lessons we provide. Do you not think it would be handy if you could learn Chinese whenever and wherever you want? Don’t waste time and energy reading dry, uninteresting Chinese textbooks anymore. Ling gives you a fantastic chatbot, mini-games, and entertaining puzzles to help you memorize Chinese vocabulary.
Most Chinese learners chose Ling to help them succeed, so why not join them? Download the Ling App from Google Play Store and Apple App Store now, and prepare to be fluent in Chinese soon!
