Czech Republic Flag - The Fascinating History Behind the Current Design

Like most countries flags, the current Czechthat began in 1920. The red and white colors
Republic flag has quite a story to tell. And in aderive from the original coat of arms of Bohemia,
way, it's a similar story to the stars and stripes ofan area that is part of the current country. Since
the United States. Let's take a look at whata red and white flag is almost identical to Poland, a
makes the Czech Republic flag so unique...blue triangle was added which still exists today.
A Little HistoryThere is some question as to what the blue
If you're from the United States and view thetriangle represents, but many claim it is to
Czech Republic flag, you'll recognize the colorsdifferentiate the design from the two neighboring
instantly. They are a vibrant red, white, and blue.countries of Poland and Austria.
The similarity doesn't stop there, but first let'sSince 1993, and even before, this flag has been a
delve into a little historical background. The currentgreat source of national pride. It is seen
design has been around since 1920, with a fewcommonly on t-shirts, caps, sweatshirts, and
exceptions during time of war and unrest. A largeother apparel. You can also find the flag adorning
blue triangle is on the far left hand side, with twojewelry and gift items like coffee mugs and
adjoining banners of red and white to the right.mouse pads. Who actually designed the flag is in
As with the stars and stripes of the Unitedquestion, but most historians agree that credit
States, the flag represents a blending of differentgoes to Jaroslav Kursa, a politician of Czech origin.
areas of the country. In the early 1990's, a slightlyTo this day, it remains one of the most
different design represented the country, but itrecognizable symbols of the Czech Republic, a
was short lived. Finally, when the formerbanner of pride, history, and unity.
Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993, the CzechSummary
Republic and Slovak Republic went their separateLike most national symbols, the Czech Republic
ways. Each republic then adopted their own flag.flag has its own unique story to tell. Much like the
The Current Czech Republic Flagstars and stripes of the United States, it depicts a
Interestingly, the current flag is the same designblending of different areas, people, and cultures.