Armenia’s tricolour—red, blue, orange (apricot)—was restored on 24 August 1990, reviving the First Republic’s 1918 design. Red signifies survival and sacrifice; blue the sky; orange industriousness and talent. Under Soviet rule a red flag with communist symbols prevailed (1922–1991). Law defines a 1:2 ratio, shades, protocol, half‑masting, and dignified retirement; misuse is penalised.
Armenia’s national flag compresses a long history of endurance, cultural memory, and statehood into three horizontal bands: red, blue, and orange. The tricolour first flew for the First Republic (1918–1920), lapsed under Soviet rule, and returned with independence in 1990.
Origins and First Republic Nineteenth‑century national revivalists explored palettes and symbols drawn from Armenian art and liturgy. The tricolour of red–blue–orange gained currency and was adopted in 1918 by the First Republic, with meanings contemporaneously explained as the people’s struggle and blood (red), the heavens (blue), and labour, fruitfulness, and talent (orange/apricot).
Soviet Period From 1922, the Armenian SSR used socialist designs: a red field, hammer and sickle, and, from 1952, a horizontal blue stripe across the centre. Protocol aligned with union‑wide norms. The diaspora kept the tricolour alive as a communal emblem through the twentieth century.
Restoration and Law (1990–present) On 24 August 1990 the Supreme Soviet restored the tricolour; subsequent statutes and the 2005 Constitution codified a 1:2 ratio, equal stripes, shade guidance, and usage rules. The flag is raised on state buildings, diplomatic posts, and during national holidays; half‑masting follows decree. Desecration and unauthorised commercialisation are offences.
Symbolism
and Practice Red recalls survival, independence struggles, and the Armenian Highlands; blue, steadfast skies and aspiration; orange, the nation’s industry and creativity. The banner is central to ceremonies, military colours, and civic education at home and among diaspora communities.
Continuity Unaltered since 1990, the tricolour links the modern republic to its first experiment in independence and to a wider historical narrative of cultural persistence.