In this post, we will delve into the rich history and meaning behind the national flag of Fiji, also known as “Kuila ni Viti” in Fijian. The flag has remained unchanged since its establishment on October 10, 1970, despite some modifications to the state arms over time. Let’s explore the fascinating significance and symbolism of Fiji’s national flag.
Flag of Fiji History
The flag of Fiji, also known as “Kuila ni Viti” in Fijian, has undergone numerous changes since Fiji’s colonial era. The first national flag was adopted in 1817 after changing the country’s name to “the Kingdom of Fiji.” It featured vertical blue and white stripes and a red shield with a white dove in the center.
In 1874, after Fiji became a British colony, the United Kingdom’s Union Flag was established as Fiji’s flag. Later, in 1908, Fiji received a British Blue Ensign with a white disc and coat of arms, which was modified in 1924 to remove the white disc.
Finally, on October 10, 1970, after gaining its independence from British colonialism, Fiji adopted the current flag. The flag features the shield from Fiji’s coat of arms on a cyan “Blue Ensign.” Some people have proposed removing the Union Flag, which they view as a reminder of British colonialism, while others want to keep it to maintain shared history.
Despite proposals to revise the flag, it has remained unchanged since Fiji was designated a republic in 1987. The initial flag of the Kingdom of Viti, the first unified Fijian kingdom established in 1871, featured the emblems “Fear God and Honor the Queen” on the coat of arms, and there have been calls to place these emblems on the flag.
In 2013, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced his intention to replace the flag, but the plan was shelved in August 2016. Regardless, the flag remains an important symbol of Fiji’s history and independence.
Flag of Fiji Meaning
The flag of Fiji features a light blue background and is a variation of the British Blue Ensign. The flag design includes the Union Jack and the state shield, which draws inspiration from the 1908-established Fiji coat of arms. The shield on the Fijian coat of arms includes a palm tree, sugar cane, bananas, a dove, and a British lion holding a cocoa pod. The colors used on the flag are light blue, dark blue, white, and red, with secondary hues of golden yellow and green found within the coat of arms.
The flag design has remained unchanged since Fiji gained its independence from Great Britain in 1970. Despite proposals for revisions, the Fijian flag has not been altered, and some reformers are pushing for the removal of the Union Jack to move away from reminders of British colonialism.
Flag of Fiji Symbolism
The flag of Fiji is full of symbolism. The bright blue background represents the Pacific Ocean, which plays a significant role in the lives of Fijians, including fishing and tourism. The Union Jack is a reminder of Fiji’s historical ties to the United Kingdom. The shield in the center of the flag is inspired by the country’s coat of arms and features a white background with a red cross and band at the top, similar to the flag of England. At the top of the shield, a British lion grasps a cocoa pod, representing Fiji’s historical connections to the UK.
The cross divides the shield into four quadrants, each highlighting significant aspects of Fiji’s agriculture. These include sugar cane, coconut palms, peace doves, and bananas. The colors of the flag are light blue, dark blue, white, and red, with golden yellow and green as secondary hues found in the coat of arms.