Flag of Brunei
The flag of Brunei is black in background with two stripes (of unequal width) of black and white color crossing the flag diagonally. The stripes start from the upper corner of the hoist side and end at the lower corner of the fly side. They are also officially called as Parallelogram. The national emblem colored in red is placed at the center of the flag. The emblem comprises of a swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged pillar inside an upside down crescent above a scroll and lined by two upraised human hands.
Symbolism
- Bulan, the crescent, symbolizes the national religion ‘Islam’ of Brunei Darussalam
- Parasol (known as Payung Ubor-Ubor; the Royal Umbrella) indicates the ruling system ‘Monarchy’
- Sayap, the wing of four feathers, denote the safeguard of justice, harmony, wealth and peace
- Arabic inscriptions on crescent and scroll translating as "State of Brunei, Abode of peace" and Brunei's motto, "Always in service with God's guidance"
- The color yellow signifies the traditional color of ‘Royalty’, and the royal standards of Malaysia and Thailand, along with the presidential flag of Indonesia, also use a yellow backdrop. It also represents the Sultan of Brunei
- Black and white stripes stand for Brunei's chief ministers
- Tangan or Kimhap, the upside down human hands, signify the generosity and the goodwill of the government
The national emblem was positioned in the center in 1959. The national flag of Brunei was implemented on September 29, 1959 when the country was a British colony, and was preserved when the country achieved complete independence on January 1, 1984, as Brunei Darussalam (State of Brunei, Abode of Peace).
