Throughout the second half of the 19th century, historians debated which flag should be considered national: white-blue-red or black-yellow-white. The issue was officially resolved on April 28, 1883 (on May 7, 1883, this decision was included in the Collection of Legalizations of the Russian Empire.) -Red flag.
These colors are also used in Pan-Slavic flags. It is believed that it was the Russian flag that was the prototype for many flags, the main national composition of which is the Slavic peoples. It is customary to refer to the Pan-Slavic flags: the flag of Slovakia, the flag of Slovenia, the flag of the Czech Republic, the flag of Serbia, the flag of Croatia.
The flag of Russia is included in the State Heraldic Register of the Russian Federation under number 2.
For desecration of the flag, the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Article 329 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to two years.
The flag of the Tsar of Moscow was used in 1693 during the journey of Peter the Great. Currently, the original of this flag is kept in the Central Naval Museum under number 10556.
The flag is a rectangular cloth with an aspect ratio of 46x49. In fact, the proportions are closer to the square.
After the defeat of Peter the Great at Narva in 1700, the sovereign decided to completely abandon the traditions of waging war in the Russian army. Foreign officers were no longer admitted to important posts; they are no longer trusted with important information; the army was modernized at an accelerated pace. The Tsar of Moscow flag was no longer used - it was replaced by the Tsar's standard.
The standard has completely changed its color scheme. The background of the flag has turned yellow. In its beaks and claws, the eagle held pieces of a map on which were depicted the seas to which Russia had access (Black, Caspian, Baltic, White).
Russian commercial flag of 1709
The flag of the Russian Empire was approved by the Naval Regulations on January 13, 1720, although it had been in use for 11 years before.
This flag was introduced into use on August 12, 1914 by circular number 29897 of the Ministry of the Interior. A golden square with the image of the state eagle was added to the roof of the flag. This element was similar to the emperor's palace standard. The flag was introduced for general use by citizens of the Russian Empire.
The symbolism of the flag indicated the unity of the tsar with the people.
The image of this flag could be found on rare photographs or postcards.
Flags of the RSFSR during the existence of the USSR
During the Second World War, the Vlasov formations used the white-blue-red tricolor as the flag of the new order in Russia.
The flag mainly differs from the modern version in shades of blue and red, as well as in proportion. This version used an aspect ratio of 1: 2.
On November 5, 1990, the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR adopted a resolution on organizing work on the creation of a new flag and coat of arms of the RSFSR, instructing the Committee on Archives under the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR to develop a new concept of official state symbols, as well as, together with the Ministry of Culture of the RSFSR, to submit drafts of a new coat of arms and flag of the RSFSR ... It began to be widely used during the "August putsch". Discontinued in 1993.
Imperial flag of Russia
This Federal Constitutional Law establishes the State Flag of the Russian Federation, its description and the procedure for official use.
Article 1. The state flag of the Russian Federation is the official state symbol of the Russian Federation.
The state flag of the Russian Federation is a rectangular panel of three equal horizontal stripes: the top one is white, the middle one is blue and the bottom one is red. The ratio of the flag's width to its length is 2: 3.
The multicolored drawing of the State Flag of the Russian Federation is included in the appendix to this Federal Constitutional Law.
Article 2. The state flag of the Russian Federation is constantly raised on the buildings:
Administration of the President of the Russian Federation;
Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation;
The State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation;
The Government of the Russian Federation;
The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation;
The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation;
The Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation;
The General Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation;
The Central Bank of the Russian Federation;
The Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation;
the residence of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation;
Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation.
The state flag of the Russian Federation is constantly hoisted (alone or together with the corresponding flags) on the buildings of federal executive bodies, at the residences of the plenipotentiaries of the President of the Russian Federation in federal districts, as well as on the buildings of state power bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
Article 3. The state flag of the Russian Federation is hung on buildings (or raised on masts, flagpoles) of local government bodies, public associations, enterprises, institutions and organizations, regardless of their form of ownership, as well as on residential buildings on public holidays of the Russian Federation.
The state flag of the Russian Federation is hoisted on:
buildings of diplomatic missions, consular offices, residences of the heads of diplomatic missions and consular offices, when it is connected with the performance of official duties by these persons, as well as on the buildings of other official missions of the Russian Federation outside the Russian Federation, including official missions of the Russian Federation to international organizations, - in accordance with the norms of international law, the rules of the diplomatic protocol and the traditions of the host country;
ships entered in one of the ship registers of the Russian Federation - as a stern flag;
tugboats leading other vessels or rafts - on a bow flagpole or gaff. A vessel sailing under the state or national flag of a foreign state must, when sailing in the internal waters of the Russian Federation or while staying in a port of the Russian Federation, in addition to its flag, also raise and carry the State flag of the Russian Federation in accordance with international maritime customs;
ships registered in the register of ships of a foreign state and provided for use and in possession of a Russian charterer under a bareboat charter agreement, which, in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Code of the Russian Federation, are temporarily granted the right to sail under the State Flag of the Russian Federation;
warships and ships - in accordance with the Ship Charter;
auxiliary vessels of the Navy used as Russian overseas vessels to carry out work outside the Russian Federation - as a stern flag.
Article 4. The state flag of the Russian Federation is installed permanently:
in the meeting rooms of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Government of the Russian Federation, in courtrooms;
in the office of the President of the Russian Federation and in other premises intended for holding celebrations (ceremonies) with the participation of the President of the Russian Federation, in the offices of the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Head Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, plenipotentiary representatives of the President of the Russian Federation in federal districts, Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation, Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation, Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, representatives of federal executive bodies, federal judges, prosecutors, as well as heads of state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, heads of municipalities, heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices and other official missions of the Russian Federation outside the Russian Federation, including official missions of the Russian Federation at international organizations.
Article 5. The state flag of the Russian Federation is placed on the vehicles of the President of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, heads of state and government delegations, heads of diplomatic missions, consular offices and other official representations of the Russian Federation. Federation outside the Russian Federation, including the official representations of the Russian Federation at international organizations.
Article 6. The state flag of the Russian Federation is raised (installed) during official ceremonies and other solemn events held by federal government bodies, government bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and local government bodies.
The state flag of the Russian Federation can be raised (installed) during celebrations held by public associations, enterprises, institutions and organizations, regardless of their form of ownership, as well as during family celebrations.
The national flag of the Russian Federation is raised daily in places of permanent deployment of military units and individual subdivisions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, other troops and military formations. The ritual of raising the State flag of the Russian Federation in military units and individual subdivisions is established by the President of the Russian Federation.
In all cases stipulated by the general military regulations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the removal of the Battle Banner of a military unit, the State flag of the Russian Federation attached to the pole is simultaneously carried out. The procedure for the joint removal and placement of the State Flag of the Russian Federation and the Combat Banner of a military unit is determined by the President of the Russian Federation.
Article 7. On days of mourning, a black ribbon is attached to the top of the flagpole of the State Flag of the Russian Federation, the length of which is equal to the length of the flag. The national flag of the Russian Federation, raised on a mast (flagpole), is lowered to half the height of the mast (flagpole).
During mourning ceremonies, providing for the rendering of military honors to a deceased (deceased) citizen of the Russian Federation, the coffin with the body of the deceased is covered with a cloth of the State flag of the Russian Federation. Before the burial, the cloth of the State Flag of the Russian Federation is rolled up and passed on to the relatives of the deceased.
Article 8. The flags of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, municipalities, public associations, enterprises, institutions and organizations, regardless of their form of ownership, cannot be identical to the State flag of the Russian Federation.
The state flag of the Russian Federation cannot be used as a heraldic basis for the flags of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, municipalities, public associations, enterprises, institutions and organizations, regardless of their form of ownership.
When simultaneously hoisting (placing) the State flag of the Russian Federation and the flag of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation, a municipality, a public association or an enterprise, institution or organization, the State flag of the Russian Federation is located on the left side of another flag, if you face them; when simultaneously raising (placing) an odd number of flags, the State flag of the Russian Federation is located in the center, and when raising (placing) an even number of flags (but more than two) - to the left of the center.
When simultaneously hoisting (placing) the State flag of the Russian Federation and other flags, the size of the flag of a constituent entity of the Russian Federation, municipal formation, public association or enterprise, institution or organization cannot exceed the size of the State flag of the Russian Federation, and the height of the state flag of the Russian Federation cannot be less hoisting heights of other flags.
Article 9. The image of the State Flag of the Russian Federation is applied to aircraft of the Russian Federation registered in the State Register of Civil Aircraft of the Russian Federation, to military transport aircraft used for flights outside the Russian Federation, as well as to spacecraft launched by the Russian Federation, in the manner established by the Government of the Russian Federation.
The image of the State Flag of the Russian Federation is used as an onboard distinguishing sign of ships, boats and vessels of the Border Guard Service of the Russian Federation, as well as as a sign of the state ownership of high-speed vessels entered in the State Ship Register of the Russian Federation or the ship register of the State River Shipping Inspection, for which the ship patent, corresponding ship's certificate or ship's ticket.
The image of the State Flag of the Russian Federation can be used as an element or heraldic basis of state awards of the Russian Federation, as well as heraldic signs - emblems and flags of federal executive bodies.
Article 10. The use of the State Flag of the Russian Federation in violation of this Federal Constitutional Law, as well as desecration of the State Flag of the Russian Federation entails liability in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation.
Article 11. This Federal Constitutional Law shall enter into force on the day of its official publication.
Moscow, Kremlin President
N 1-FKZ V. PUTIN
useful links
- Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of 11.12.1993 N 2126 "On the state flag of the Russian Federation".
- Federal Constitutional Law "On the Flag of the Russian Federation" dated 08.12.2000
- Circular No. 29897 of the Ministry of the Interior dated August 12, 1914.
Recently, in patriotic circles in Russia, the black-yellow-white imperial flag has become a very popular symbol. However, the history of this heraldic image is rather little known and poorly understood; there are very few scientific studies on it, and in popular patriotic publications there are many inaccuracies (only one small, more or less literate note in Ultras News comes to mind). So, I will try to give my own, undoubtedly, subjective, but still based on the found scientific literature, interpretation of the history of this symbol.
In the middle of the XIX century. a stamp reform was carried out, which included the creation of a state banner. The ordering of imperial heraldic attributes was largely caused by the desire to consolidate the foundations of monarchical power in Russia. No matter how liberal and humanist Emperor Alexander II was, he was a monarch, the son of his father, Nicholas I. The latter repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction with the insufficient prevalence of imperial symbols; it was under him that the Russian patriotic anthem "God Save the Tsar" appeared.
On June 11, 1858, Alexander II approved the imperial state flag in black-yellow-white colors. This happened during the years of the bright revival of Russia after the difficult Crimean War, during the years of the high rise of the Russian national spirit. The decree commanded that all "banners, flags ... used for decoration on solemn occasions, were from the Coat of Arms of the Russian Empire."
The following was a description of the state flag: “… The arrangement of these colors is horizontal, the upper stripe is black, the middle one is yellow (gold), and the lower one is white (silver). The first two stripes correspond to the black State eagle on a golden field ... The lower stripe corresponds ... to the white (silver) horseman - St. George in the Moscow coat of arms. ” Black is the color of the Russian two-headed eagle - a symbol of sovereignty, state stability and fortress, the inviolability of historical borders, the meaning of the very existence of the Russian nation. Gold (yellow) color - once the color of the banner of Byzantium, perceived as the state banner of Russia by Ivan III, is a symbol of spirituality, striving for moral perfection and firmness of spirit. White is the color of eternity and purity, which does not differ among all peoples. For Russians, this is the color of St. George the Victorious - a symbol of selfless sacrifice for the Fatherland, for the Russian land, which has always puzzled, delighted and frightened foreigners.
After the tsar's decree, the black-yellow-white flag was called the “Emblem of the National Flag”, just as not long before that the hymn “God Save the Tsar” had received the status of the Russian Folk Song. The patriotic press reported that "The flag was built according to the state emblem", that the People, with the help of constant contemplation of this flag, join the "Emblem symbolic colors of the Russian Empire".
The black-yellow-white flag was perceived by society as imperial, government, in contrast to the white-blue-red flag of the Russian merchant fleet. In the minds of the people, ideas about the greatness and power of the state were associated with the imperial flag. This is understandable, what could be majestic in a trade flag, in its very colors, which were artificially tied to Russian culture by Peter I? Of course, all the merits of the Great Emperor cannot be denied, but here he clearly went too far (he simply copied the colors of the flag of Holland, before which he admired).
Coexistence of two flags until the 70s. XIX century. was not so noticeable, but gradually the question of the "duality" of the most important Russian state symbol begins to arise. This duality is perceived in different ways by the Russian public. Ardent defenders of the Russian autocracy believed that there could be no talk of any flag, except for the imperial one, legalized by the emperor: the people and the government should be united. Opposition to the tsarist regime stood under the trade white-blue-red flags, which became a symbol of the anti-government political movements of those years. It was these colors that defended the so-called. “Liberal” circles who shouted to the whole world that they were fighting the despotism and reactionary nature of the tsarist government, but, in fact, were fighting the greatness and prosperity of their own country (by the way, the same “liberals” a century later destroyed another empire - the Soviet Union) ...
During this stormy controversy, Alexander II died at the hands of the revolutionaries. His son and successor, Alexander III, not fully understanding the situation, made a harsh and rash act - on April 28, 1883, he gave the white-blue-red flag the status of a state one, but at the same time DOES NOT CANCEL the imperial one. In Russia, there were two official state flags, which further complicated the situation.
On April 29, 1896, Emperor Nicholas II ordered to consider ONLY white-blue-red as the National and State flags. Most likely, the tsar was influenced by convincing him that the black-yellow-white flag “does not have a heraldic historical basis in Russia” in order to be considered a cloth bearing Russian national colors. This begs the question, what are the historical foundations of the trade flag? In any case, they are no closer to the Russian spirit than the colors of the Great Empire. It was from this moment that the country began to decline, a chain of tragic events: Khodynka, defeat in the ridiculous war with Japan, the Revolution of 1905 and 1917, ... should we continue?
In the early 1910s. a significant event was approaching - the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanovs, and a new turn in relation to the State Flowers was outlined in government circles. Supporters of monarchical foundations strongly advocated the return of the historical black-yellow-white colors. In the imperial flag, they again saw the protection of the foundations of Russian life from impending changes. As a result, in May 1910, a Special Meeting was formed to clarify the issue of “state Russian national colors”. It worked for almost 5 years, and most of the participants voted for the return of the imperial flag, but "upside down", that is. white-yellow-black. The minority insisted on a white-blue-red flag. The result was a "symbiosis" of two competing flags: the white-blue-red flag had a yellow square in the upper corner with a black two-headed eagle. This, in the conditions of the First World War, was supposed to demonstrate the unity of Russian society and monarchical power. However, the revolution of 1917 and the establishment of Soviet power did not allow this flag to officially become the state flag.
It remains to be believed that the old Imperial flag will rally and strengthen the further unification of the Russian National Patriotic Movements. If you think about it, this is our only state banner, under which Russia has not suffered ANY defeat, a banner that has not stained itself in any way and has passed with honor through the centuries.
Each person must necessarily know not only the past of his country, but also the history of the emergence of its main symbols of state power. In this article we would like to describe the Imperial, or People's coat of arms, black-yellow-white flag, whose it was, when it appeared and what it represented.
What is the meaning of the flag?
The banner of any country has a deep sacred meaning and capaciously expresses its originality. This official symbol of statehood represents the nation, describing its spiritual reality. The flags depict important symbolic emblems, the coat of arms or its individual elements, which can conditionally tell about significant historical events, traditions, beliefs and even about the economy and geographical position of the country. The colors of the banner always have a deep meaning, expressing the unity of the people, their power, the desire for freedom and peace. The Russian black-yellow-white flag has become a sacred symbol of the Great country, state power and fortress, stability and inviolability of the historical borders of our Motherland. We will talk about it in detail below.
The history of the emergence of the Russian flag. First state flag
State flags, like anthems, began to appear in European countries only from the end of the 18th century. Until that time, of course, there were various banners and coats of arms of aristocratic families, dynasties, merchant and military fleets, guild and workshop badges. In Russia, military banners-banners were distributed. They often depicted the faces of the Mother of God, the Savior and the saints. They were sacred, like icons; they often prayed in front of them and served molebens. The royal banners were considered the flags of the state, but until the 17th century they did not have an official status, therefore they often changed their appearance, colors and shape. It is believed that the beginning of the emergence of the first Russian flag was laid by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, who issued two special decrees in 1668-1669. They ordered to raise a white-blue-red banner over Russian warships.
Flags during the reign of Peter I and Elizabeth Petrovna
Later, Peter I continued the work of creating the state banner. In 1693, the "St. Peter" warship raised the "Tsar of Moscow flag", which was a panel (4.6 x 4.9 m) of horizontal stripes of blue, red and white. In the middle of the flag, a double-headed eagle was depicted in gold paint. In 1699, the tsar drew with his own hand a sketch of the three-stripe flag of the Russian kingdom. In addition to the tricolor used on military ships, Peter I approved another state standard - a yellow cloth with a black eagle drawn in the center, which held four maps with images of the Caspian, White and Azov Seas, as well as the Gulf of Finland.
The next stage in the creation of the Russian state banner was the coronation procedure of Elizabeth Petrovna. For the ceremony (1742) a new banner of the Russian Empire was developed, which consisted of a yellow cloth with the image of a black two-headed eagle surrounded by oval shields with coats of arms.
Russian flag black, yellow, white - "imperka"
The next state flag was created on the day of the coronation of Alexander II. It looked like this: a black eagle and a white George the Victorious on horseback were depicted on a golden banner. Heraldist B.V. Köne, who was also involved in the development of the Romanov dynasty, proposed to create such a flag. He believed that for the new Russian national flag it was necessary to establish the coat of arms - black, silver and gold, as this was accepted in the heraldry of many European countries. Later, on June 11, 1856, Alexander II, by his order, approved the new look of the State Flag and established from now on that all banners, standards, pennants and other items used on solemn occasions must have the coat of arms of the Russian Empire. This is how the black-yellow-white flag appeared in Russia. This tricolor began to be used on various solemn days, including the coronation of Alexander III. The black-yellow-white flag of the Russian Empire looked as shown in the following figure.
Subsequently, they began to call it the coat of arms of the national flag. According to the government, ordinary people, contemplating the colors of the coat of arms on the state banner, became familiar with Russian culture and history.
What was symbolized by the banner approved by Emperor Alexander II
Every color of the flag - black, yellow, white - was deeply symbolic. Let's take a closer look at what they meant. two-headed eagle, showed imperial power, statehood, statehood, strength and stability. He pointed to the inviolability of the borders of the Russian Empire, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to He signified the strength and might of a huge country. Gold (or yellow) was also of great importance. In the past, it was the main color of the banner of Orthodox Byzantium and was perceived by the Russian people as a symbol of spirituality and religiosity. symbolized the desire for moral development, improvement, as well as firmness of mind. It signified the preservation of the purity of the Orthodox faith and the comprehension of Divine truth.
White symbolized purity and eternity. For the Russian people, it was a reflection of the deeds of St. George the Victorious and meant the desire to defend their homeland and preserve the Russian land, even sacrificing oneself. The white color spoke of the tremendous strength of the spirit of the Russian national character, the steadfastness and steadfastness of the defenders of the Russian land. Orthodoxy, autocratic power and nationality - this is what the Imperial black-yellow-white flag symbolized. Its importance can hardly be overestimated - it became an expression of the Russian Orthodox tradition, autocratic power and resilience of the common people.
Which flag: black, yellow, white or Peter's "tricolor" was used at the end of the 19th century?
Despite the fact that the new Russian flag, black-yellow-white, was created on the basis of the state coat of arms, which carried a significant sacred load, society perceived it exclusively as a government standard. Many Russian people associated black and yellow colors with Austria and the house of the Habsburgs. But the "Peter's" white-blue-red tricolor was closer to the people and was considered civil, gradually acquiring the status of "philistine". Therefore, in the 70s - 80s. XIX in the Russian Empire there was a so-called "duality" of the state symbol.
At the same time, two banners existed and were used - the white-yellow-black flag of Russia (government) and the national, white-blue-red tricolor. Often, it was the latter that was preferred - it appeared on the streets of cities, was installed near monuments and was used at special events.
"Petrovsky" tricolor - the national flag of the Russian Empire
During the coronation, Alexander III was surprised that the Kremlin itself and the solemn procession were decorated in heraldic colors, and the capital was decorated. Subsequently, the emperor signed a decree according to which the "Peter's" tricolor acquired official status and became the national flag of the Russian Empire. From the moment the resolution came into force, the "black, white, yellow stripe" flag began to be considered the banner of the reigning house of the Romanovs. Emperor Nicholas II by his decree of 1896 consolidated the position of the white-blue-red banner as the only state one.
Return of the black-yellow-white flag
The approaching of an important date - the 300th anniversary of the reign of the House of Romanov, as well as the bourgeois-democratic revolution, caused a turn in politics regarding national colors. The adherents of monarchical foundations wanted to return the "black, yellow, white stripe" flag, which for them served as a symbol of the protection of the Russian Empire from the coming dramatic events. In 1914, an attempt was made to unite two flags - the "Peter's" tricolor and the black-white-yellow "imperka". As a result, a new banner appeared, in which colors were present - blue, black, red, yellow, white. The flag looked like this: in the upper rectangular canvas there was a yellow square. It featured a black two-headed eagle.
This combination was supposed to express the unity of the people and the authorities, as well as patriotism and faith in victory. Nevertheless, such an eclectic flag did not take root and did not become national. It served as an official state symbol for a short time - until 1917. The subsequent abdication of Nicholas II, and then the February Revolution, put an end to the introduction of imperial symbols.
Red flag of the USSR
After the October Revolution, the state flag acquired a new look: it was a simple red rectangular cloth without inscriptions or any emblems. It became a symbol of Freedom and marked the beginning of a new era in the life of the country. On April 8, 1918, at the meeting, a proposal was made to approve it as an official red flag with the letters "P. V. S. S." denoting the famous motto calling for the unification of the proletarians of all countries. Further, in April 1918, a red cloth with the inscription: "Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic" was recognized as the flag of the state.
Since the unification of the RSFSR with the BSSR, the Ukrainian SSR and the Transcaucasian Federation in the USSR, a scarlet rectangular cloth has become a flag. It depicted a hammer and sickle of gold color in the upper corner, and above them - a five-pointed red star with a gold border.
Use of the white-blue-red flag
From 1923 to 1991 such a flag was recognized as the official one. Nevertheless, the "Peter's" tricolor continued to be used in some cases.
During the Great Patriotic War, together with the St. Andrew's flag, he served some anti-Soviet formations. For example, the Russian Liberation Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General A.A. Vlasov used a slightly modified St. Andrew's flag with a red stripe along the edge. Note that the use of Russian national symbols was generally accepted in the collaborationist formations of the Third Reich. Later in the 70s. white-blue-red colors were used in the anti-communist organization - VSKhSON. In 1987, the "Petrovsky" tricolor began to be used by various patriotic formations, for example, the "Memory" society. In 1989, the mass democratic movement adopted the tricolor as its official symbol. At the same time, monarchists and followers of conservative movements began to re-use the black-yellow-white flag of Imperial Russia. In 1989, the Russian Banner Patriotic Union made a proposal to abolish the red flag and make the white-blue-red banner official again. The Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR decided (22.08.91) to recognize the white-blue-red tricolor as the official symbol of the state. On November 1, 1991, it was adopted as the state flag of the RSFSR.
The symbolic meaning of the white, blue and red colors of the modern Russian flag
Nowadays, there are several interpretations of the colors of the Russian flag. Since ancient times, white has meant frankness and nobility, blue - honesty, chastity, loyalty and impeccability, and red - love, generosity, courage and courage. Another common interpretation was the correlation of colors with the historical territories of Russia. So, white was associated with White, blue - Small, and red - Great Russia, symbolizing the unification of three peoples - Little Russians, Great Russians and Belarusians. There were also other interpretations of color symbolism. For example, the white color scheme was seen as a symbol of Freedom, red - sovereignty, and blue - meant the Mother of God. Sometimes, the colors of the "Peter's" tricolor were interpreted as the trinity of the tsarist power, the Orthodox faith and the Russian people.
Instead of a conclusion
So, in this article we examined the black-yellow-white flag: whose it was, when did it appear and what it personified. We learned how Russian banners changed over time and what they were like. We have described not only the "Peter's" banner, but also the red flag of the USSR. And, of course, they told when the white-blue-red tricolor was adopted as the main state symbol of the Russian Federation.
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There is a lot of controversy about the correct arrangement of colors on the flag of the Russian Empire. The imperial flag, as we are used to seeing today, consists of an upper black stripe, a middle yellow and a lower white one. In this form, it was adopted in 1858. How is it correct: black-yellow-white or white-yellow-black?
I am pleased to publish a study on the history of the Imperial flag of Russia, which today has become one of the symbols of resistance to the liberal regime and the national liberation struggle.
From the article, we understand that even this symbol was turned upside down by the efforts of the Judeo-proststants, who sought to distort the meanings as much as possible. Today in the national-patriotic movement it will be difficult to explain that for many years the symbol “with broken logic” has been used. Meanwhile, we know how to turn the situation against those who tried to undermine the Imperial symbols and national meanings.
The inverted flag often symbolizes that the state is in a critical situation. The Philippines is the only country in the world where the flag is officially used in two versions - regular and inverted. The reverse position of the colored stripes applies when the Philippines is at war or martial law is declared in the country.
Today Russia is actually occupied. So let the inverted flag highlight our position. And we will return to the logical position of the colors of the Imperial tricolor when we achieve victory. After all, as Confucius said, "Signs and symbols rule the world, not words and rules."
And now, the article itself:
AND AGAIN ABOUT THE IMPERIAL FLAG ... THE BATTLE FOR TRICOLOR
There is a sea of publications on this topic, mainly of a cognitive nature, where there is no reasonable explanation of how the colors should be placed correctly. There is only a reference to the highest approved decree No. 33289 of June 11, 1858 "On the location of the coat of arms of the Empire on banners, flags and other items used for decoration on special occasions." But the circumstances under which the decree was adopted, the current state situation and who was the author of this document are not indicated.
So, until 1858, the flag was different. The order of colors in it was as follows: starting with the upper stripe - white, then yellow and black at the bottom. In this form, it existed until the moment of its official adoption. Along with it, there was a white-blue-red ... But the white-yellow-black before Alexander II, and after the black-yellow-white flag was perceived by the society as an imperial, government one, in contrast to the white-blue-red flag of the Russian merchant fleet. In the minds of the people, ideas about the greatness and power of the state were associated with the imperial flag. This is understandable, what can be majestic in the trade flag, in its very colors, which were artificially tied to Russian culture by Peter I (who simply copied the colors of the Dutch flag).
Coexistence of two flags until the 70s. XIX century. was not so noticeable, but gradually the question of the "duality" of the most important Russian state symbol begins to arise. This duality is perceived in different ways by the Russian public. Ardent defenders of the Russian autocracy believed that there could be no talk of any flag, except for the imperial one, legalized by the emperor: the people and the government should be united. Opposition to the tsarist regime stood under the trade white-blue-red flags, which became a symbol of the anti-government political movements of those years. It was the "trade flag" that defended the so-called. "Liberal" circles who shouted to the whole world that they were fighting the despotism and reactionary nature of the tsarist government, but, in fact, were fighting the greatness and prosperity of their own country.
During this stormy controversy, Alexander II died at the hands of the revolutionaries. His son and successor, Alexander III, on April 28, 1883, gave the white-blue-red flag the status of a state one, but at the same time did not abolish the imperial one either. In Russia, there were two official state flags, which further complicated the situation. And already from April 29, 1896, Emperor Nicholas II ordered to consider the National and State flags white-blue-red, indicating also that “other flags should not be allowed”.
Black-yellow-white remained only with the imperial family. The emperor was “persuaded”, as supposedly all Slavic peoples were given such colors - and this emphasizes their “unity”. And explaining this by the fact that the black-yellow-white flag “does not have heraldic historical foundations in Russia” to be considered a cloth bearing Russian national colors. This begs the question, what are the historical foundations of the trade flag?
But back to the white-yellow-black banner. That is, then, before adoption, the white-yellow-black flag was simply turned over.
The “coup” is also traced by the author - Bernhard Karl Köhne (about him will be discussed at the end of the article in order to fully imagine what kind of person got in to “correct” Russian heraldry). Alexander II, upon accession to the throne, decided, among other things, to put in order the state symbols - and bring it to the general European heraldic standards.
This was to be done by Baron Bernhard-Karl Köhne, who was appointed head of the department of arms in 1857. Köhne was born into the family of a secret state archivist, a Berlin Jew, a heretic who adopted the Reformed faith. He came to Russia under patronage. In heraldic historiography, he earned a sharp negative assessment, despite the stormy activity.
But be that as it may - the flag was adopted and in that form it existed until 1910, when the monarchists raised the question of the "correctness" of the flag, since the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov was approaching.
A special meeting was formed to clarify the issue of "state Russian national colors." It worked for 5 years, and the majority of the participants voted for the return of the imperial white-yellow-black flag with the "correct" arrangement of colors as the main, state one.
For some reason and why - it is not clear, but a compromise was made - as a result, a symbiosis of two competing flags appeared: the eclectic white-blue-red flag had a yellow square in the upper corner with a black two-headed eagle. They fought a little with this in the First World War. Further, the history of the imperial flag ends for a well-known reason.
In heraldry, an inverted flag means mourning, Köhne knew this very well, heading the heraldic department of the Empire. The death of the Russian emperors confirmed this. In nautical practice, an inverted flag means that a ship is in distress. It is clear that the colors are still confused and the flags are being hung upside down consciously and unconsciously, but for this to happen at the state level and with many years of struggle, special efforts of special people are needed.
The existence of the white-yellow-black flag is confirmed by newsreels, but they are treated differently, due to the black and white film. Adherents of the black-yellow-white flag explain that on the set, the white-blue-red flag, without being embarrassed by the simple experience of comparing colors, when converting colored flags to black and white using any well-known graphic editor.
Also, the tricolor in the white-yellow-black arrangement can be seen in the paintings of the artists.
In the painting by Vasnetsov, dedicated to the Russian-Turkish war, a white-yellow-black flag is being erected. An interesting fact: the painting dates back to 1878, that is, it was written 20 years after the release of the statement №33289 "on the location of the coat of arms" in which they were changed the other way around. It turns out that among the people were still in use not inverted white-yellow-black flags.
(In the center, either the (blue-yellow-red) flag of the United Principality of Wallachia and Moldavia, an ally of the Russian Empire in the Russian-Turkish War (1877-1878), or the Pan-Slavic (blue-white-red) flag - difficulties in determining color by reproduction The Slavic peoples in 1848 at the Pan-Slavic Congress in Prague adopted a common Pan-Slavic flag, which repeated the colors of the Russian (white-blue-red) flag).
And here is Rozanov's painting "Fair on Arbat Square". White-yellow-black flags can be seen on the roofs of buildings. And along with them are white-blue-red. The picture was painted just at the time of the coexistence of the two flags.
As soon as they do not explain the location of the black stripe at the top: this is the incomprehensibility of God (and how is God a light?), And the greatness of the Empire, and the color of Spirituality (referring to the monastic attire). Also interpreted as: black - monasticism, yellow - gold icons, white - purity of the soul. But all this is from the category of popular interpretations "who will think up how."
At the same time, the most important point is missed, that the colors of the imperial flag should be identical to the words that express our entire Slavic essence: Orthodoxy, Autocracy, Nationality. Or, to put it another way: Church, King, Kingdom. What color matches each of these words? The answer is obvious.
In 1858, along with the flag, changes were made to the state emblem. Köne created it the way we are used to seeing it. Although under Nicholas I, he was different.
For example, the Coat of arms depicted on the coins.
Here are the Nikolayev coins, 1858
But the coin of 1859 of Alexander II (the reign of Alexander II, whose years were called "the era of great reforms", for Russian Jews, as well as for the country as a whole, was a sharp contrast to the previous period: reforms in the economy, relative political freedoms, rapid development industry - all this, as well as a century earlier in Prussia, created the conditions for Jewish assimilation, which never happened). Here you can clearly see how accurately the eagle is "licked" from the coat of arms of the Habsburgs. A particularly striking detail is the eagle's tail. And all this in one year with the change of the flag. Magendovids (six-pointed stars) also appeared on the coins. Since the Masons are great symbolists, they just wanted to add a drop of tar to our heraldry.
A few more coins for comparison:
Back in the 59th, a commemorative coin and medal "Monument to Emperor Nicholas I on a Horse" were issued.
Magendavids are now so small that they can only be seen under a magnifying glass
The copper coins have been updated, the design has changed dramatically, the stars there are "Soviet" - pentacles.
The image below shows the similarity of the coat of arms that Köhne "invented" with the coat of arms of the Habsburgs.
For comparison:
1) The crown acquired a ribbon (more like a snake), this ribbon had never been used in Russian heraldry before;
2) Wings previously on all eagles had many feathers, and now they have completely copied the Habsburgs, even in design, between the large feathers and here and there, there are small feathers. Moreover, in our eagle there were 6 feathers, against 7;
3) The set of the coat of arms and the chain, although this arrangement was used earlier, but on all previous coins, the order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called was clearly visible, now it is just a chain, like the Habsburgs itself;
4) The tail. Everything is clear without comment.
Bernhard Karl (in Russia "Boris Vasilyevich") Köhne (4 / 16.7.1817, Berlin - 5.2.1886, Würzburg, Bavaria) was born into the family of a secret state archivist, a Berlin Jew who adopted the Reformed religion (Köhne himself and his son remained Protestants, despite the fact that they linked their lives with Russia, only his grandson became Orthodox).
He became interested in numismatics early and published his first work in this area (“The Mining of the City of Berlin”) at the age of 20, when he was still a student at a Berlin gymnasium. He was one of the active leaders, and then the secretary of the Berlin Numismatic Society. In 1841-1846. supervised the publication of a magazine on numismatics, sphragistics and heraldry.
Köne met Russia in absentia in the early 1840s. The famous numismatist Yakov Yakovlevich Reichel, who served in the Expedition of Procurement of State Papers, the owner of one of the largest numismatic collections, drew attention to the young man, who soon became his assistant in collecting and "representative" in German numismatic circles. After graduating from the university course, Köne came to St. Petersburg for the first time.
He returned to Berlin with a firm desire to enter the Russian service and made a candidate for the then vacant department of archeology at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences (which never happened). As a result of Reichel's patronage, on March 27, 1845, Köhne was appointed assistant to the head of the First Section of the Imperial Hermitage (the First Section included collections of antiques and coins, it was headed by a major numismatist Florian Antonovich Gilles) with the rank of collegiate assessor. Towards the end of his life, Köhne rose to the rank of Privy Councilor (1876).
In St. Petersburg, Köhne developed a vigorous activity. A persistent desire to get into the Academy of Sciences, moreover, in the archaeological "direction", stimulated not only his active study of archeology, but also his no less active organizational work. In an effort to gain the necessary weight in scientific circles, Köhne initiated the creation in Russia of a special numismatic society, but since archeology inevitably attracted him, he combined these two sciences under one "administrative" name - this is how the Archaeological-Numismatic Society appeared in St. Petersburg (later the Russian Archaeological Society ).
Köhne sought to promote himself and society on a European scale. All correspondence with foreign scientists lay on it. And foreign scientific societies invariably accepted him as a member, so by the end of his life he was a member of 30 foreign societies and academies (he never got to St. Petersburg). By the way, orientation to the West led to the fact that Köhne tried not to allow presentations in Russian (only in French and German) at meetings, and only after the ethnographer and archaeologist Ivan Petrovich Sakharov (1807-1863) joined the society, Russian was restored to its rights.
The second half of the 1850s was Köhne's "triumph" in the Heraldry, when in 1856 he created the Great State Emblem of the Empire, and in June 1857 became the manager of the Department of Arms of the Department (with the retirement of the Hermitage). Having headed all the practical work in the field of Russian heraldry, Köhne over the next years began a large-scale heraldic reform, striving to unify and systemize the corpus of Russian clan and territorial coats of arms by bringing them into line with the rules of European heraldry (for example, turning the figures to the right heraldic side; replacing some that Köhne seemed unsuitable for heraldry, figures for others, etc.) and the introduction of new principles and elements (the placement of the provincial coat of arms in the free part of the city, the system of emblems of the outer part of the territorial and city coats of arms, reflecting their status, etc.). ).
Koene's career in the Russian Archaeological Society was cut short with the arrival of the new august leader, Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolaevich. He did not approve the election of Köhne as secretary of the third department of the society (the only case in the history of the society), as a result of which in early 1853 Köhne left its ranks. Konstantin Nikolaevich had a steady dislike for Köhne. In particular, he disapproved of the draft of the state emblem of 1856-1857.
On October 15, 1862, Köhne was allowed to take the baronial title, granted on May 12/24 of the same year by the ruler (for the minority of Prince Henry XXII) of the principality of Reuss-Greutz, Caroline Amalia. In the literature, one can find the assertion that Köhne owes this title to the state emblem of the Russian Empire created by him, but these data need confirmation. Most likely, an enterprising numismatist simply bought the rights to this title and thus became, probably, the only baron "Reuss-Greitz" in Russia.
At the same time, it can be firmly stated that Nicholas II and Tsarevich Alexei understood the problem of the state flag of the Russian Empire and intended to bring its colors back to their original form, i.e. white-yellow-black. This is confirmed by the fact that the banner of the Livadia-Yalta amusing company named after Tsarevich Alexei consisted of white, yellow and black stripes.
In addition, for the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov, Tsar Nicholas II approved an anniversary medal using the colors: White-Yellow-Black.
Well, this is another indicative lesson - already on the state symbols - do not let the goats in the garden. But we already know how to turn this weapon against themselves.
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The history of the Russian flag goes back several centuries. Over the centuries, the banner has changed, but it did not cease to carry out its most important functions - to serve as an identification mark, as well as to represent and symbolize the country and the nation as a whole. Every citizen should know how the Russian flag looked before and what it is today, what it represents and what meaning it carries.
Flag and banner - two terms denoting the most important symbol of any state
In the Russian language, for a long time, two words have been used that have a similar semantic meaning: "banner" and "flag". The first has Slavic roots and comes from the word "sign" or "sign". It points to its owner and acts as a special symbol. The second term "flag" came to us from Holland and in translation means "ship and nautical banner". Usually it was raised on a special mast called a "flagpole".
Since ancient times, the flag looked like a piece of fabric of a certain geometric shape, which was attached to a cord or pole. It could have different colors, and often its colors carried a special meaning. It is difficult to overestimate the role of the banner in ancient land, sea battles and medieval battles, when it was used to control military units. To this day, it is used as a symbol as the "representative" of the nation.
All countries of the world have their own special one-color or multi-colored banner. The modern flag of the Russian Federation is easily recognizable - it is a rectangular panel with three horizontal stripes of white (top), blue (middle) and red (bottom) colors. For about three centuries the Russian people "passed" under the tricolor. What did the Russian flag look like earlier? What did he symbolize? Let's try to figure it out.
Banners of the ancient Slavs
Historians know little about the oldest banners of the Slavic peoples. Presumably, the first of these were primitive and consisted of grass or ponytails, which were attached to poles, spearheads, or simply long sticks. It is believed that they resembled the bunchuk of the Turkic tribes. The "Tale of Bygone Years" mentioned the banners denoting military detachments - banners (canvases attached to the shaft). Gradually, a special position appeared - a bannerman: he had to keep the banner and unfold it during the battle. Over time, the banners not only began to serve as landmarks in the battle, but also transformed into special symbols of power. The princes, capturing the cities, began to hoist their banners over them, announcing their claims.
Banners of the Old Russian state
In Russia in the IX-XIII centuries. Elongated triangular banners were widespread, ensigns with a beveled wedge and a border, as well as banners with braids sewn to them, fluttering in the wind. Often in battles, banners were also used - special sacred banners on which the faces of the saints, the Mother of God or the Savior were depicted. Ancient banners were made of different fabrics and painted in different colors. In this case, the most commonly used shades of green, red, blue, white and cyan. On the Kulikovo field, a large one stretched over the Russian soldiers, on which the Savior Not Made by Hands was depicted.
Tsar's banners in the period of the XVI-XVII centuries.
Until the 18th century, Russia did not have a single state banner. There were a large number of various banners and banners. Small and Big Tsarist banners were distinguished by their special brightness and beauty. As a rule, they were richly decorated and decorated with religious themes.
An example of such banners is the famous "Great Banner" of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was a huge multicolored trapezoidal panel. It was decorated with images of St. Michael, sitting on a golden winged horse, and Jesus Christ in glory. Also on the canvas were skillfully painted golden cherubs, seraphim and angels in white robes. For more than 150 years, this greatest banner accompanied the Russian army in battles and campaigns: it visited the Crimean (1687, 1689) and Azov (1696) campaigns, as well as in the war with the Swedes. Unfortunately, the photo of the flag of Tsarist Russia does not convey all its beauty and power.
Special honors were given to such royal banners: they were illuminated, along with icons, they were worshiped. The regimental and centenary banners were smaller and not as richly decorated as the royal ones. Often they depicted a simple cross instead of the faces of the saints. Since the 17th century. secular emblems began to be applied to the banners in the Western manner, for example, drawings of a snake, eagle, lion, etc.
What the Russian flag looked like under Peter the Great
During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, the first mentions of a single Russian flag appeared. The Emperor, having studied the banners of other countries, chose three primary colors for his - white, blue and red. In 1686, a new flag of tsarist Russia was raised at the first trade. According to some versions, it had a rectangular shape. It featured a blue cross, the upper left and lower right corners were painted white, and the other two were painted red. Peter I, continuing the work of his father, modified the flag, defining the order of the horizontal stripes on it. A photo of the flag of tsarist Russia is presented below - it looked like the modern tricolor, but had a two-headed eagle in the center.
Peter the Great also created a flag for the merchant fleet. It was a white cloth with a black double-headed eagle, with a power and a golden scepter in its paws. Since 1705, the tricolor trade flag of Russia was officially approved, which was used on military ships until 1712, until a single stern Andreevsky flag was approved - a white panel with a blue diagonal cross. After that, the tricolor was used only on commercial ships.
History of the imperial flag of Russia. Tsar's banner in the 18-19 centuries.
Subsequently, the Russian flag underwent significant changes. In 1742, a new banner was made in connection with the upcoming coronation of Elizabeth I. What did the Russian flag look like now? The yellow canvas depicted a black double-headed eagle, which was surrounded by oval shields with coats of arms.
Under Alexander I, black-white-yellow colors gradually began to be perceived as state colors. The banners of the Russian regiments depicted a black two-headed eagle on a gold background. In 1858, a new coat of arms was developed, as well as the flag of the Russian Empire. Alexander II approved of three stripes - black on top, yellow in the center and white on the bottom - the imperial flag of Russia. The photo shows what the banner was like in the 19th century.
Unfortunately, the new type of flag did not appeal to the common people, but was perceived as a purely official one. In addition, the new banner was very similar to the German one. For this reason, Alexander III, a well-known Russophile, once again returned the white-blue-red tricolor to the pedestal. In 1914, after a wide celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty on the Russian throne, a symbiosis of banners appeared. The white-blue-red flag was complemented by a black and yellow imperial standard, which was depicted in the upper corner of the staff. Such a banner existed until g.
Flags and banners of the RSFSR and the USSR. Difficult 20th century
The Russian and February revolutions took place under bright scarlet banners. Not only they, but all the mass symbols were red. The October Revolution of 1917 was also carried out under the scarlet flag. On July 10 of the same year, the final version of the new banner was adopted.
The RSFSR flag was a red cloth. In the upper left corner, near the pole, there was a gold inscription - "RSFSR". Since 1918, the use of the imperial tricolor has been strictly prohibited. A scarlet banner was hoisted over the Kremlin.
In 1924, the Constitution of the USSR approved a new flag. The scarlet cloth now depicted a golden hammer and sickle, above which a five-pointed star with a gold border was placed. In World War II, the Soviet banner became a great symbol of the victory of the Russian people over fascism.
The return of the famous Russian tricolor
After a more than seventy-year hiatus, the Russian tricolor was raised in the capital, over the building of the Supreme Soviet. This significant event took place in the days of August. Now the flag of the Russian Federation is raised not only on the buildings of government bodies in our country, but also on diplomatic missions abroad.
In addition to the tricolor, the St. Andrew's flag is still used, as well as which was established by a presidential decree in 1996. It symbolizes the heroism and great courage of the Russian people displayed during the Great Patriotic War. We hope our article was useful, and now you know what flags were in Russia. Any citizen should know the great historical past of his people!
