Flag of Estonia
The tricolor of Estonia was first used in risings against occupying Russian forces in 1881. The Russians frowned on use of the flag, but after the break-up of their empire in 1917 Estonia enjoyed a period of freedom during which its blue, black and white tricolor again became the national flag. It was suppressed again after invasion by Stalinist forces in 1940 but became the national flag once more in 1990, as the USSR disintegrated. The blue stands for the sky and the mutual fidelity of the people; black for the soil and the Estonians’ mythological ancestors; and white for the people’s wish for freedom, and for the snow which covers this Baltic country for six months each year. The ratio of the flag is 7:11.
