The Flag of Estonia
The Flag of Estonia: A Reflection of National Identity and Resilience The flag of Estonia , known as Eesti lipp in Estonian, is a tricolor of blue, black, and white, arranged in horizontal stripes of equal size. This iconic design represents the spirit, struggles, and aspirations of the Estonian people. Officially adopted on May 8, 1990 , the flag has deep historical roots tied to Estonia’s journey toward independence and cultural self-expression. Origins and Early Use The Estonian tricolor was first created in 1884 by the Estonian Students’ Society ( Eesti Üliõpilaste Selts ) at the University of Tartu. It was initially used as a symbol of the growing national awakening during a time when Estonia was under Russian imperial rule. The flag became a rallying point for Estonians aspiring to assert their identity and autonomy. During Estonia’s first period of independence, from 1918 to 1940 , the flag was adopted as the official national symbol. However, its use was banned during t...