Ukrainian state symbols reflect our history, remind us of the glory of our great-grandfathers, and inspire us to new deeds and accomplishments. State symbols: The State Emblem of Ukraine, the State Flag of Ukraine and the National Anthem of Ukraine are an important attribute of a modern state, symbolizing its sovereignty.
Knowledge of the history of our statehood in its entirety and the history of our state symbols is a powerful force against manipulation of historical facts in the context of Russia's information war against Ukraine. On the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day, we offer to delve into the ancient history of Ukrainian state symbols.
The blue and yellow colors first appeared in the era of Kyivan Rus on coats of arms and symbols. Blue and yellow colors have a deep historical significance: blue was considered a symbol of the sky, water, and wisdom, while yellow (or gold) represented the sun, harvest, strength, and wealth.
Gold and blue were often used on the coats of arms of princes and squads, for example, in the heraldry of Vladimir the Great.
In recent history, these colors were used during the Spring of Nations: in 1848, the blue and yellow flag was officially raised over Lviv City Hall for the first time. This flag combined the national idea with folk symbols: the heavenly height and the fertility of the Ukrainian land.
In 1917-1921, during the existence of the Ukrainian People's Republic (UPR), the blue and yellow flag officially became the national flag.
The Western Ukrainian People's Republic (ZUNR) also used a flag in these colors, but in reverse order (yellow over blue).
During the Soviet era, the blue and yellow flag was banned, and its use was considered anti-Soviet activity.
Despite this, Ukrainians in the diaspora, underground organizations (including the OUN and UPA), dissidents, and artists continued to preserve these colors as a sacred symbol of the struggle for freedom.
Since 1990, Stryi, Ternopil, Drohobych, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk have been flying the blue and yellow flag over their city councils. Zhytomyr was the first city outside of Galicia to officially fly the flag. Then came Kyiv. Donetsk region did not stand aside.
On July 16, 1991, on the Holy Mountains above the Siverskyi Donets, activists of the Donetsk Regional Organization of the People's Movement of Ukraine, M. Tyshchenko and
V. Biletskyi raised a blue and yellow flag over the Holy Mountains above the Siverskyi Donets. At that time, it was the first public raising of the Ukrainian national flag in the Donetsk region.
On August 23, 1991 - the day before the declaration of independence - the flag was brought to the hall of the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR. That is why we celebrate the Day of the National Flag of Ukraine on August 23.
On January 28, 1992, the Verkhovna Rada officially approved the blue and yellow flag as the National Flag of Ukraine.
After the Revolution of Dignity, with the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the flag became not only a national emblem, but also a symbol of invincibility, pain, and hope. It is raised over the liberated cities. It is used to cover the coffins of fallen soldiers, and it flies on armored vehicles, balconies, and in the hearts of millions.
The National Flag is not just colors. It is the heart of the nation, its history, faith, struggle and hope for a peaceful future.