France Profile - Translation Organizations - Geography of France - French Flag - French Languages - Famous French People
The French Tricolor consists of three equal width stripes of blue (hoist side), white, and red. It is known as the "Le drapeau tricolore" At the moment, the flag is 50% wider than its height (the shape and flag ratio of the French flag is described as 2:3) and except in the French navy, the three bands have equal width. Even if it was first used in 1789 after the French Revolution, the flag was not officially adopted until February 15, 1794. Because France has no coat of arms, the Tricolore is also the national emblem.
The meaning of the French Flag
The national flag of France was used during the French Revolution and has since then become a symbol of liberty around the world. The colors of the flag are believed to be derived from those of Paris (blue and red) and the Bourbon Dynasty (white).
The colors are usually associated with the ideals of the French Revolution: liberty, equality and fraternity. Furthermore, according to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with these colors.
· White symbolizes the clergy, peace and honesty.
· Red represents nobility, strength, valor, the blood split in the Wars for liberty.
· Blue: vigilance, truth, perseverance & justice, it is the symbol of the bourgeois class.
The clergy, the nobility and the bourgeoisie were the main estates of the Ancien Régime.