The current flag of Burundi was officially established on June 28, 1967, around 5 years after it gained its independence. It is rectangular in shape with 2 white lines running diagonally across its surface from one corner to the other, forming an x-like shape. A large, white circle can be found in the center of the flag, where the lines cross. The spaces above and below the circle are red in color, and those to the left and right are green. Three 6-pointed stars are located in the center of the circle in a triangle formation. These stars are red with a green outline.
Each of the 3 colors on the flag of Burundi is said to have a specific meaning. The red color symbolizes the fighting that the country took on in order to gain its independence. The green color stands for hope for the future and the white is meant to represent peace throughout the country. In addition, the stars also have meaning and are said to represent the 3 major ethnic groups that make up the majority of the population of Burundi: the Tutsi, the Hutu, and the Twa.
The prototype of the current flag of Burundi is believed to have been designed by the first royal leader of the territory after its independence from Belgium. The design of a cross in the middle of the flag was inspired by the cross of Burgundy, which was previously used by Belgium (then known as the Spanish Netherlands). This design became the basis of the flag of Burundi and remained even after the monarch was removed from power at the end of 1966.
Just after the colonial era, Burundi was ruled by a monarch. During this time, a traditional drum known as a karyenda was located at the center of the white circle. At the time, many people believed that the drum delivered messages that only the monarch could understand. These messages were used as the basis for several laws. The drum was immediately removed when the monarch was taken out of power. It was replaced by a sorghum plant between November of 1966 and March of 1967. On March 28, 1967, the sorghum plant was replaced by the 3 stars. The last change was made September 27, 1982, when the official dimensions were officially defined.
This page was last modified on May 1st, 2018
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