The Singapore Flag

Every country in the world has its own, unique flag. And every flag has great meaning behind it, the colors, the symbols and patterns are chosen for a reason. The flag of Singapore uses a simple two-color design which consists of two symbols. Red and White with Moon and Stars.

The flag was unveiled on December 3, 1959, before the independence of Singapore, when Singapore became self-governing in the British Empire. Upon independence on August 9th, 1965, it was adopted as the official national flag of sovereign Singapore.

Red symbolizes the “universal brotherhood and equality of men”and white signifies “pervading and everlasting purity and virtue”. The red upper half contains the symbols, a crescent moon and five five-pointed stars arranged in a circle.The crescent moon represents “a rising young nation” and the five stars stand for the 5 ideals of Singapore, “Democracy, Peace, Progress, Justice and Equality”

The conception of the flag started off by the Then-Deputy Prime Minister Toh Chin Chye, was completed  in 2 months. Initially, an all red design was chosen, but during that time, red was the color of communism and the Cabinet of Singapore rejected the idea. The Crescent moon was chosen by the Muslim community and the stars are chosen by the Chinese community.

The use of the flag was not very restrictive as long as the specifications are adhered. Singaporeans are encouraged to hang and display the flag during the National Day celebrations. It is also flown in various government institutions and commercial buildings. Every classroom in schools have a flag displayed too. One of the most spectacular display of the flag is during the national day celebration, where a giant flag was flew across the country with a Chinook helicopter.