Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Flag of Guatemala

The flag of Guatemala was adopted in 1871.

Flag ratio 5:8
It is designed in two colours: sky blue and white. The white stripe between the two sky blue stripes represents the fact that Guatemala is a land located between two oceans, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. The white colour also signifies peace and purity.
In the center of the flag is the Guatemalan coat of arms. It includes the Resplendent Quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala that symbolizes liberty; a parchment scroll bearing the date of Central America's independence from Spain, 15 September 1821; crossed rifles, indicating Guatemala's willingness to defend itself by force if need be; a bay laurel crown, the symbol for victory; and crossed swords, representing honor.