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{{Short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{infobox flag
{{infobox flag
| Image = Flag of Aruba.svg
| Image = Flag of Aruba.svg
Line 6: Line 8:
| Use = 110000
| Use = 110000
| Symbol = {{FIAV|111000}} {{FIAV|normal}} {{FIAV|Mirror}}
| Symbol = {{FIAV|111000}} {{FIAV|normal}} {{FIAV|Mirror}}
| Design = Medium blue [[Glossary of vexillology#Flag_elements|field]] with and white [[Fimbriation|fimbriated]] (bordered) red four-pointed star in its upper hoist corner and two narrow horizontal yellow stripes in its lower half.<ref>{{Cite web |last= Smith | first=W. |title=Flag of Aruba |website=Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Aruba}}</ref>
| Design = A medium blue [[Glossary of vexillology#Flag_elements|field]] with a white [[Fimbriation|fimbriated]] (bordered) red four-pointed star in its upper hoist corner and two narrow horizontal yellow stripes in its lower half.<ref>{{Cite web |last= Smith | first=W. |title=Flag of Aruba |website=Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Aruba}}</ref>
| Image2 = Flag of the Governor of Aruba.svg
| Image2 = Flag of the Governor of Aruba.svg
| Use2 = Governor's standards
| Use2 = Governor's standards
| Symbol2 = {{FIAV|Equal}}
| Symbol2 = {{FIAV|Equal}}
| Adoption2 = {{start date and age|1985|10|29|df=y}}<br>{{start date and age|1986|01|01|df=y}} <small>(in use)</small>
| Adoption2 = {{start date and age|1985|10|29|df=y}}<br>{{start date and age|1986|01|01|df=y}} <small>(in use)</small>
| Design2 = White field with along the top and bottom three horizontal stripes red, white, and blue. Blue disk in the center with red, white bordered star and two yellow stripes
| Design2 = A white field with along the top and bottom three horizontal stripes red, white, and blue. Blue disk in the center with red, white bordered star and two yellow stripes.
}}
}}
The national '''flag of Aruba''' was adopted on 18 March 1976, along with the official anthem "[[Aruba Dushi Tera]]". The flag was partially designed by [[vexillologist]] [[Whitney Smith]].<ref name="nyt">{{cite news| title=Whitney Smith, Whose Passion for Flags Became a Career, Dies at 76| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/22/us/whitney-smith-whose-passion-for-flags-became-a-career-dies-at-76.html| last=Grimes| first=William| date=22 November 2016| work=[[The New York Times]]| page=A25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-02 |title=Obituary - Whitney Smith, vexillologist |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/14997293.obituary---whitney-smith-vexillologist/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=HeraldScotland |language=en}}</ref> On 18 March Aruba celebrates National Anthem and Flag Day, marked by [https://www.aruba.com/us/calendar/national-anthem-and-flag-day local events] across the island. It is also a significant day as it represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands giving Aruba an autonomous status.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 National Anthem & Flag Day in Aruba |url=https://www.aruba.com/us/calendar/national-anthem-and-flag-day |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=www.aruba.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

[[File:Betico Croes Oranjestad.jpg|thumb|Statue of [[Betico Croes]] with flag in [[Oranjestad, Aruba|Oranjestad]]]]
[[File:Betico Croes Oranjestad.jpg|thumb|Statue of [[Betico Croes]] with flag in [[Oranjestad, Aruba|Oranjestad]]]]
The national '''flag of Aruba''' was adopted on March 18, 1976, along with the official anthem "Aruba Dushi Tera". The flag was partially designed by [[vexillologist]] [[Whitney Smith]].<ref name="nyt">{{cite news| title=Whitney Smith, Whose Passion for Flags Became a Career, Dies at 76| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/22/us/whitney-smith-whose-passion-for-flags-became-a-career-dies-at-76.html| last=Grimes| first=William| date=22 November 2016| work=[[The New York Times]]| page=A25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-02 |title=Obituary - Whitney Smith, vexillologist |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/14997293.obituary---whitney-smith-vexillologist/ |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=HeraldScotland |language=en}}</ref> On March 18, Aruba celebrates National Anthem and Flag Day, marked by [https://www.aruba.com/us/calendar/national-anthem-and-flag-day local events] across the island. It is also a significant day as it represents the acceptance by the Kingdom of the Netherlands of Aruba's right to an autonomous status.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 National Anthem & Flag Day in Aruba |url=https://www.aruba.com/us/calendar/national-anthem-and-flag-day |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=www.aruba.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

==Description==
==Description==
The flag is rectangular and features four colors: yellow, blue, red, and white. Its width-to-length ratio is 2:3. The [[Glossary of vexillology#Flag elements|field]] color of the flag is Larkspur (also known as "U.N. Blue"), identified as "no. 196" in the British colour council's (B.C.C.) "Dictionary of Colour Standards" or "[[Pantone Matching System|PMS]] 279 C" in the [[Pantone Matching System]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Overheid |first=Aruba |date=2019-04-15 |title=Simbolo nacional |url=https://www.gobierno.aw/informacion-tocante-servicio/cultura-deporte-y-tempo-liber-sub-topics_47819/item/simbolo-nacional_41785.html |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=www.gobierno.aw |language=nl-NL}}</ref> The lower 1/3 of the flag is divided into three horizontal bands of equal width, colored yellow, blue, and yellow respectively. Each strip's width is 1/18 of the flag's total width. The top band starts 2/3 of the way down from the top of the flag. The yellow stripes are in Bunting Yellow ("no. 113"), and the middle band is colored Larkspur. Below these three bands is a wide border, 1/6 of the flag' width, in Larkspur. In the canton or upper hoisting plane of the flag, there is a regular four-pointed star. The star's horizontal and vertical meridians align with the flag's edges, and a line drawn from any inner corner through the center to the opposite inner corner is 1/3 length of the stars' horizontal or vertical median. The star is colored red, also known as "Union Jack Red" ("no. 210"), with a white border ([[Fimbriation|fimbration]]). The total length of the star, including the fringe, is 1/3 of the flag's width. The highest point of the star is positioned inward from the [[Glossary of vexillology#Flag elements|hoist]] edge at a distance equal to 1/18 of the flag's width.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Overheid |first=Aruba |date=2020-11-03 |title=AB1991No.101 |url=https://www.overheid.aw/actueel/afkondigingsbladen_46859/item/ab1991no101_54998.html |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=www.overheid.aw |language=nl-NL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The British colour council dictionary of colour standards : a list of colour names referring to the colours shown in the companion volume. |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-450229999 |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref>
The flag is rectangular and features four colors: yellow, blue, red, and white. Its width-to-length ratio is 2:3. The [[Glossary of vexillology#Flag elements|field]] color of the flag is Larkspur, identified as "no. 196" in the British colour council's "Dictionary of Colour Standards" or [[Pantone Matching System|PMS]] 279 C in the [[Pantone Matching System]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The British colour council dictionary of colour standards : a list of colour names referring to the colours shown in the companion volume. |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-450229999 |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=Trove |language=en}}</ref> The lower 1/3 of the flag is divided into three horizontal bands of equal width, colored yellow, blue, and yellow respectively. Each strip's width is 1/18 of the flag's total width. The top band starts 2/3 of the way down from the top of the flag. The yellow stripes are in PMS 109 C, and the middle band is colored PMS 279 C. Below these three bands is a wide border, 1/6 of the flag' width, in PMS 279 C. In the canton or upper hoisting plane of the flag, there is a regular four-pointed star. The star's horizontal and vertical meridians align with the flag's edges, and a line drawn from any inner corner through the center to the opposite inner corner is 1/3 length of the stars' horizontal or vertical median. The star is colored red, PMS 032 C, with a white border ([[Fimbriation|fimbration]]). The total length of the star, including the fringe, is 1/3 of the flag's width. The highest point of the star is positioned inward from the [[Glossary of vexillology#Flag elements|hoist]] edge at a distance equal to 1/18 of the flag's width.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Overheid |first=Aruba |date=2014-08-25 |title=02.02AB91.101 Landsverordening vlag, wapen en volkslied |url=https://www.gobierno.aw/gobernacion/texto-di-ley-0202-kenmerken-en-ordetekens_43515/item/0202ab91101-landsverordening-vlag-wapen-en-volkslied_15148.html |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=www.gobierno.aw |language=nl-NL}}</ref>
[[File:Flag of Aruba construction.svg|center|thumb|358x358px|Construction sheet. Aspect ratio 2:3.]]
{{Multiple image
| image1 = Flag of Aruba construction.svg
| caption1 = 2:3 ratio
| header = Dimensional sheet
| header_background = white
| footer_background = white
| align = center
| total_width = 400
}}
{| class="wikitable" style="width:60%; background:#f9f9f9; border:1px solid #aaa; border-collapse:collapse; white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:60%; background:#f9f9f9; border:1px solid #aaa; border-collapse:collapse; white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="1"
|+ {{anchor|color scheme table}} Color scheme
|- style="text-align: center; background: #EEE"
! Scheme
! Scheme<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aruba flag color codes |url=https://www.flagcolorcodes.com/aruba |access-date=2023-05-20 |website=www.flagcolorcodes.com |language=en}}</ref>
! style="background:#3D8EDE; color:#FFF" | Blue
! style="background:#3D8EDE; color:#FFF" | Blue
! style="background:#FBE122; color:black" | Yellow
! style="background:#F7D417; color:white" | Yellow
! style="background:#C8102E; color:#FFF" | Red
! style="background:#EF3340; color:#FFF" | Red
! style="background:#FFF; color:black" | White
! style="background:#FFF; color:black" | White
|-
|-
| [[Pantone]]
| [[Pantone]]<ref name=":1" />
| 297 C
| 279 C
| 107
| 109 C
| 186
| 032 C
| N.A.
| N.A.
|-
|-
| [[CMYK color model|CMYK]]
| [[CMYK color model|CMYK]]
| 69, 34, 0, 0
| 69, 34, 0, 0
| 0, 1, 88, 0
| 0, 18, 100, 0
| 0, 100, 80, 5
| 0, 84, 77, 5
| 0, 0, 0, 0
| 0, 0, 0, 0
|-
|-
| [[RGB color model|RGB]]
| [[RGB color model|RGB]]
| 65,143,222
| 65,143,222
| 251, 225, 34
| 255, 210, 0
| 200, 16, 46
| 246, 52, 63
| 255, 255, 255
| 255, 255, 255
|-
|-
| [[Hex triplet|Hexadecimal]]
| [[Hex triplet|Hexadecimal]]
| 418FDE
| 418FDE
| FBE122
| F7D417
| C8102E
| EF3340
| FFFFFF
| FFFFFF
|-
|-
|[[RAL colour standard|RAL]]
|[[RAL colour standard|RAL]]
| 5012
| 5012
| 1018
| 1023
| 3028
| 3028
| N.A.
| N.A.
|}
|}

== Symbolism ==
== Symbolism ==
The flag of [[Aruba]] incorporates four colors and symbols, each carrying significance. The light blue color represents the sea surrounding the island, symbolizing its strong connection to the ocean.
The flag of [[Aruba]] incorporates four colors and symbols, each carrying significance. The light blue color represents the sea surrounding the island, symbolizing its strong connection to the ocean.


Yellow signifies abundance and solidarity. The horizontal lines symbolize the economic prosperity derived from industries like gold mining and [[Aloe vera|Aloe Vera]] production in the past, as well as the current reliance on tourism. Yellow also represents the vibrant yellow flowers of local flora such as the “Kibrahacha” ([[Tabebuia|Tabebuia billbergii)]], “Palo di Brazil" ([[Haematoxylum brasiletto|Haematoxylon brasiletto)]], “Bonchi di Strena” ([[Parkinsonia aculeata|Parkinsonia aculeata)]], “Curahout” ([[Peltophorum|Peltophorum acutifolium]]), “Tuturutu” ([[Caesalpinia pulcherrima|Yellow Dwarf Poincianas, Caesalpinia pulcherrima]]) and “Wanglo” ([[Tribulus cistoides|Puncture vine Tribulus cistoides]]).
Yellow signifies abundance and solidarity. The horizontal lines symbolize the economic prosperity derived from industries like gold mining and [[Aloe vera|Aloe Vera]] production in the past, as well as the current reliance on tourism. Yellow also represents the vibrant yellow flowers of local flora such as the “Kibrahacha” ([[Tabebuia|Tabebuia billbergii]]), “Palo di Brazil" ([[Haematoxylum brasiletto|Haematoxylon brasiletto]]), “Bonchi di Strena” ([[Parkinsonia aculeata]]), “Curahout” ([[Peltophorum|Peltophorum acutifolium]]), “Tuturutu” ([[Caesalpinia pulcherrima|Yellow Dwarf Poincianas, Caesalpinia pulcherrima]]) and “Wanglo” ([[Tribulus cistoides|Puncture vine Tribulus cistoides]]).


The horizontal yellow stripes on the flag symbolize Aruba's freedom and distinct status within the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]], achieved on January 1, 1986.
The horizontal yellow stripes on the flag symbolize Aruba's freedom and distinct status within the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands]], achieved on 1 January 1986.


Additionally, the color white on the flag symbolizes peace and carries symbolic meaning. It represents the island's pristine beaches and signifies the purity of the hearts of the Aruban people, who strive for justice, order, and liberty.
Additionally, the color white on the flag symbolizes peace and carries symbolic meaning. It represents the island's pristine beaches and signifies the purity of the hearts of the Aruban people, who strive for justice, order, and liberty.


The red star on the flag symbolizes the four points of the compass, symbolizing the diverse origins of the Aruban population, which attracts people from around the world. It also represents Aruba itself, surrounded by the blue sea and the historic "Palo di Brazil" industry. Red symbolizes love and pays tribute to the indigenous Arubans who lost their lives during the confrontation with the French at [[Frenchman's Pass|Frenchman's pass]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aruba Flag - Meaning, History & Facts About the Flag of Aruba |url=https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/history-and-culture/aruba-flag |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=www.aruba.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
The red star on the flag symbolizes the four points of the compass, symbolizing the diverse origins of the Aruban population, which attracts people from around the world. It also represents Aruba itself, surrounded by the blue sea and the historic "Palo di Brazil" industry. Red symbolizes love and pays tribute to the indigenous Arubans who lost their lives during the confrontation with the French at [[Frenchman's Pass|Frenchman's pass]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aruba Flag - Meaning, History & Facts About the Flag of Aruba |url=https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/history-and-culture/aruba-flag |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=www.aruba.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Overheid |first=Aruba |date=2019-04-15 |title=Simbolo nacional |url=https://www.gobierno.aw/informacion-tocante-servicio/cultura-deporte-y-tempo-liber-sub-topics_47819/item/simbolo-nacional_41785.html |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=www.gobierno.aw |language=nl-NL |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415180407/https://www.gobierno.aw/informacion-tocante-servicio/cultura-deporte-y-tempo-liber-sub-topics_47819/item/simbolo-nacional_41785.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>


== Governor's standard ==
== Governor's standard ==
The [[Governor of Aruba]], as the representative of the [[Monarchy of the Netherlands|Monarch of the Netherlands]], has a specific standard. According to the [[Album des pavillons|"Album des pavillons"]], the flag of the Governor of Aruba consists of a white field with three horizontal stripes along the top and bottom, colored red, white, and blue.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Album Des Pavillons Nationaux 1923 {{!}} PDF |url=https://fr.scribd.com/doc/39312316/Album-Des-Pavillons-Nationaux-1923 |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=Scribd |language=en}}</ref><ref>[http://www.flaginstitute.org/pdfs/Armand%20du%20Payrat.pdf Armand du Payrat. L’Album des pavillons // Proceedings The XIX International Congress of Vexillology, York, 23—27 July 2001, pp. 249—252]</ref> Each stripe occupies 1/12th of the flag's height. In the center of the flag, there is a light blue disk with a diameter equal to 5/12th the flag's height. On the disk, the red, white-bordered star and two yellow stripes from the flag of Aruba are placed. The center of the star is positioned at the horizontal midpoint of the flag, at a distance of 5/48th of the flag's height above the center of the disk. All other dimensions of the flag are proportional to those of the flag of Aruba. This design was adopted by Order in Council on October 29, 1985, and became effective on January 1, 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ceremonieel & protocol - Ministeriële- en Defensie publicaties |url=https://puc.overheid.nl/mp-bundels/doc/PUC_41859_10/1/#d0658044-c44f-4879-a541-db135f32df45 |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=puc.overheid.nl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aruba - Governor Flag |url=http://fotw.fivestarflags.com/aw_gov.html |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=fotw.fivestarflags.com}}</ref>
The [[governor of Aruba]], as the representative of the [[Monarchy of the Netherlands|Monarch of the Netherlands]], has a specific standard. According to the "[[Album des pavillons]]", the flag of the governor of Aruba consists of a white field with three horizontal stripes along the top and bottom, colored red, white, and blue.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Album Des Pavillons Nationaux 1923 {{!}} PDF |url=https://fr.scribd.com/doc/39312316/Album-Des-Pavillons-Nationaux-1923 |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=Scribd |language=en}}</ref><ref>[http://www.flaginstitute.org/pdfs/Armand%20du%20Payrat.pdf Armand du Payrat. L’Album des pavillons // Proceedings The XIX International Congress of Vexillology, York, 23—27 July 2001, pp. 249—252]</ref> Each stripe occupies 1/12th of the flag's height. In the center of the flag, there is a light blue disk with a diameter equal to 5/12th the flag's height. On the disk, the red, white-bordered star and two yellow stripes from the flag of Aruba are placed. The center of the star is positioned at the horizontal midpoint of the flag, at a distance of 5/48th of the flag's height above the center of the disk. All other dimensions of the flag are proportional to those of the flag of Aruba. This design was adopted by Order in Council on 29 October 1985, and became effective on 1 January 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ceremonieel & protocol - Ministeriële- en Defensie publicaties |url=https://puc.overheid.nl/mp-bundels/doc/PUC_41859_10/1/#d0658044-c44f-4879-a541-db135f32df45 |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=puc.overheid.nl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aruba - Governor Flag |url=http://fotw.fivestarflags.com/aw_gov.html |access-date=2023-05-19 |website=fotw.fivestarflags.com}}</ref>


== Proposed flags ==
== Proposed flags ==
The island of Aruba was once part of the Netherlands Antilles and used the former Netherlands territorial flag. In January 1976, committee was formed to choose a flag specifically for Aruba. Out of 693 design entries, 157 were considered, and eventually, three proposals were selected. Since one of the chosen designs was challenging to manufacture, Smith made a new proposal (after his previous flag was rejected). A committee worked on the winning proposal and ultimately created the flag that was adopted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aruba - Proposals |url=https://www.fotw.info/flags/aw!.html |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=www.fotw.info}}</ref>
The island of Aruba was once part of the [[Netherlands Antilles]] and used the former Netherlands territorial flag. In January 1976, committee was formed to choose a flag specifically for Aruba. Out of 693 design entries, 157 were considered, and eventually, three proposals were selected. Since one of the chosen designs was challenging to manufacture, Smith made a new proposal (after his previous flag was rejected). A committee worked on the winning proposal and ultimately created the flag that was adopted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aruba - Proposals |url=https://www.fotw.info/flags/aw!.html |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=www.fotw.info}}</ref>


{{Multiple image
{{Multiple image
Line 130: Line 125:
* [[Flag of the Netherlands]]
* [[Flag of the Netherlands]]


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/history-and-culture/aruba-flag Flag of Aruba]
* [https://www.aruba.com/us/our-island/history-and-culture/aruba-flag Flag of Aruba]
* [https://www.government.aw Government of Aruba]
* [https://www.government.aw Government of Aruba]
Line 144: Line 139:
[[Category:Beaches of Aruba]]
[[Category:Beaches of Aruba]]
[[Category:National symbols of Aruba]]
[[Category:National symbols of Aruba]]
[[Category:National flags]]
[[Category:National flags|Aruba]]
[[Category:Flags of the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Flags introduced in 1976|Aruba]]
[[Category:Flags introduced in 1976]]
[[Category:Flags of the Dutch Caribbean|Aruba]]
[[Category:Blue flags|Aruba]]

Latest revision as of 08:35, 6 July 2024

Aruba
UseCivil and state flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag Reverse side is mirror image of obverse side
Proportion2:3
Adopted18 March 1976; 48 years ago (1976-03-18)
DesignA medium blue field with a white fimbriated (bordered) red four-pointed star in its upper hoist corner and two narrow horizontal yellow stripes in its lower half.[1]
UseGovernor's standards Reverse side is congruent with obverse side
Adopted29 October 1985; 39 years ago (1985-10-29)
1 January 1986; 38 years ago (1986-01-01) (in use)
DesignA white field with along the top and bottom three horizontal stripes red, white, and blue. Blue disk in the center with red, white bordered star and two yellow stripes.

The national flag of Aruba was adopted on 18 March 1976, along with the official anthem "Aruba Dushi Tera". The flag was partially designed by vexillologist Whitney Smith.[2][3] On 18 March Aruba celebrates National Anthem and Flag Day, marked by local events across the island. It is also a significant day as it represents the Kingdom of the Netherlands giving Aruba an autonomous status.[4]

Statue of Betico Croes with flag in Oranjestad

Description

[edit]

The flag is rectangular and features four colors: yellow, blue, red, and white. Its width-to-length ratio is 2:3. The field color of the flag is Larkspur, identified as "no. 196" in the British colour council's "Dictionary of Colour Standards" or PMS 279 C in the Pantone Matching System.[5] The lower 1/3 of the flag is divided into three horizontal bands of equal width, colored yellow, blue, and yellow respectively. Each strip's width is 1/18 of the flag's total width. The top band starts 2/3 of the way down from the top of the flag. The yellow stripes are in PMS 109 C, and the middle band is colored PMS 279 C. Below these three bands is a wide border, 1/6 of the flag' width, in PMS 279 C. In the canton or upper hoisting plane of the flag, there is a regular four-pointed star. The star's horizontal and vertical meridians align with the flag's edges, and a line drawn from any inner corner through the center to the opposite inner corner is 1/3 length of the stars' horizontal or vertical median. The star is colored red, PMS 032 C, with a white border (fimbration). The total length of the star, including the fringe, is 1/3 of the flag's width. The highest point of the star is positioned inward from the hoist edge at a distance equal to 1/18 of the flag's width.[6]

Construction sheet. Aspect ratio 2:3.
Color scheme
Scheme Blue Yellow Red White
Pantone[6] 279 C 109 C 032 C N.A.
CMYK 69, 34, 0, 0 0, 18, 100, 0 0, 84, 77, 5 0, 0, 0, 0
RGB 65,143,222 255, 210, 0 246, 52, 63 255, 255, 255
Hexadecimal 418FDE F7D417 EF3340 FFFFFF
RAL 5012 1023 3028 N.A.

Symbolism

[edit]

The flag of Aruba incorporates four colors and symbols, each carrying significance. The light blue color represents the sea surrounding the island, symbolizing its strong connection to the ocean.

Yellow signifies abundance and solidarity. The horizontal lines symbolize the economic prosperity derived from industries like gold mining and Aloe Vera production in the past, as well as the current reliance on tourism. Yellow also represents the vibrant yellow flowers of local flora such as the “Kibrahacha” (Tabebuia billbergii), “Palo di Brazil" (Haematoxylon brasiletto), “Bonchi di Strena” (Parkinsonia aculeata), “Curahout” (Peltophorum acutifolium), “Tuturutu” (Yellow Dwarf Poincianas, Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and “Wanglo” (Puncture vine Tribulus cistoides).

The horizontal yellow stripes on the flag symbolize Aruba's freedom and distinct status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, achieved on 1 January 1986.

Additionally, the color white on the flag symbolizes peace and carries symbolic meaning. It represents the island's pristine beaches and signifies the purity of the hearts of the Aruban people, who strive for justice, order, and liberty.

The red star on the flag symbolizes the four points of the compass, symbolizing the diverse origins of the Aruban population, which attracts people from around the world. It also represents Aruba itself, surrounded by the blue sea and the historic "Palo di Brazil" industry. Red symbolizes love and pays tribute to the indigenous Arubans who lost their lives during the confrontation with the French at Frenchman's pass.[7][8]

Governor's standard

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The governor of Aruba, as the representative of the Monarch of the Netherlands, has a specific standard. According to the "Album des pavillons", the flag of the governor of Aruba consists of a white field with three horizontal stripes along the top and bottom, colored red, white, and blue.[9][10] Each stripe occupies 1/12th of the flag's height. In the center of the flag, there is a light blue disk with a diameter equal to 5/12th the flag's height. On the disk, the red, white-bordered star and two yellow stripes from the flag of Aruba are placed. The center of the star is positioned at the horizontal midpoint of the flag, at a distance of 5/48th of the flag's height above the center of the disk. All other dimensions of the flag are proportional to those of the flag of Aruba. This design was adopted by Order in Council on 29 October 1985, and became effective on 1 January 1986.[11][12]

Proposed flags

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The island of Aruba was once part of the Netherlands Antilles and used the former Netherlands territorial flag. In January 1976, committee was formed to choose a flag specifically for Aruba. Out of 693 design entries, 157 were considered, and eventually, three proposals were selected. Since one of the chosen designs was challenging to manufacture, Smith made a new proposal (after his previous flag was rejected). A committee worked on the winning proposal and ultimately created the flag that was adopted.[13]

Sample of proposals
Selected proposals
Proposal by J.W. Klein (1976)
Proposal by Rosendo Feliciano (1976)
Proposal by W.J. Fransen (winner) (1976)
Whitney Smith's proposals
1. Flag of Aruba proposed by American vexillologist Whitney Smith (1976)
2. Flag of Aruba proposed by American vexillologist Whitney Smith (1976)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Smith, W. "Flag of Aruba". Britannica.
  2. ^ Grimes, William (22 November 2016). "Whitney Smith, Whose Passion for Flags Became a Career, Dies at 76". The New York Times. p. A25.
  3. ^ "Obituary - Whitney Smith, vexillologist". HeraldScotland. 2 January 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  4. ^ "2020 National Anthem & Flag Day in Aruba". www.aruba.com. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  5. ^ "The British colour council dictionary of colour standards : a list of colour names referring to the colours shown in the companion volume". Trove. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  6. ^ a b Overheid, Aruba (25 August 2014). "02.02AB91.101 Landsverordening vlag, wapen en volkslied". www.gobierno.aw (in Dutch). Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  7. ^ "Aruba Flag - Meaning, History & Facts About the Flag of Aruba". www.aruba.com. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  8. ^ Overheid, Aruba (15 April 2019). "Simbolo nacional". www.gobierno.aw (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  9. ^ "Album Des Pavillons Nationaux 1923 | PDF". Scribd. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  10. ^ Armand du Payrat. L’Album des pavillons // Proceedings The XIX International Congress of Vexillology, York, 23—27 July 2001, pp. 249—252
  11. ^ "Ceremonieel & protocol - Ministeriële- en Defensie publicaties". puc.overheid.nl. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  12. ^ "Aruba - Governor Flag". fotw.fivestarflags.com. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  13. ^ "Aruba - Proposals". www.fotw.info. Retrieved 21 May 2023.