Origins And History

The Dutch Flag: A Historical and Cultural Symbol

Origins and History

The national flag of the Netherlands is a tricolored horizontal flag, consisting of three equal bands of red, white, and blue from top to bottom. The flag's width-to-length ratio is 2:3. The current design was officially adopted on February 19, 1937, though its origins date back to the 16th century.

William I, Prince of Orange

In the 16th century, William I, Prince of Orange, became a leader of the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule. During this time, he adopted a flag with horizontal stripes of orange, white, and blue. These colors represented his family's coat of arms and the provinces of Holland, Zeeland, and Guelders.

Official Adoption

The Dutch flag in its current form was first officially adopted in 1796 during the Batavian Republic. However, it was later abolished during the Kingdom of Holland and restored during the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815. The flag's colors were described as red, white, and blue in a royal decree in 1837.