French Tricolour, designed during the Revolution
The origins of the French Tricolour flag, the national emblem of the French Republic, date back to the tumultuous era of the French Revolution. The first draft dates from 1789, but it only acquired its definitive form in 1794, when it was officially adopted as the ensign of the French Navy by the National Convention.
On February 15, 1794 (27 Pluviôse, Year II), the Convention indeed decreed the characteristics of the national flag: “Three national colours, arranged in vertical stripes, blue at the hoist, white in the centre, and red in the sky.” Legend has it that the painter Jacques-Louis David helped determine the order of the colours.
The French Tricolour flag became the official flag of the French armed forces in 1812, although it was somewhat sidelined during the Bourbon Restoration. The tricolour flag reappeared during the Revolution of 1830, symbolising resistance and unity against the reign of Charles X.
It was under the reign of Louis-Philippe that it was definitively reinstated as the emblem of France. Since 1830, the tricolour flag has thus symbolised the republican values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. In 1958, Article 2 of the Constitution of the Fifth Republic enshrined the blue, white, and red tricolour flag as the national emblem, the symbol of French identity and unity.
Variations of the French Tricolour
However, the dimensions and proportions of the French flag vary depending on its use. During official ceremonies, it adopts a square shape while retaining its three emblematic stripes of equal width: blue, white, and red. This symmetrical and formal format enhances its visual impact at official events and ceremonies.
Conversely, its dimensions are modified when it is used as the flag of the French Navy. Its length is 50% greater than its width, giving it a rectangular shape, while the proportions of the stripes change, generally following a ratio of 30:33:37 for the blue, white, and red. This variation in proportions aims to optimise the visibility and aesthetics of the flag when it flies on ships, thus ensuring its distinct identity as the flag of the French Navy.
Symbolism of the French flag’s colours
The colours of the French tricolour flag, which is twice as long as it is tall, hold profound symbolism. Their origins lie in the City of Paris, where blue and red were historically associated with the Carolingian and Capetian dynasties, respectively. These hues were later adopted by the National Guard, a popular militia formed at the beginning of the Revolution. The National Guard adopted the colours of Paris in the form of a cockade, with blue positioned near the hoist and red flying at the top, symbolising the bloodshed during the Revolution.
According to historical accounts, the Marquis de Lafayette personally chose these three colours. In his memoirs, he recounts how, three days after the storming of the Bastille, he persuaded Louis XVI to wear the blue and red cockade as a sign of recognition and unity during his meeting with the National Guard at the Hôtel-de-Ville de Paris – Paris City Hall. This blend of colours represented the reunification of France and symbolised “the august and eternal alliance between the monarch and the people.” While some monarchists interpret the colours differently, blue representing Charlemagne and Saint-Martin, red Saint-Denis, and white the monarchy, the French tricolour flag remains above all a symbol of unity and the tireless pursuit of liberty, a fundamental aspect of the republican motto.
The French Tricolour flag is ubiquitous: it adorns town halls and public buildings and flies proudly during major national and official celebrations, both civil and military, such as Bastille Day (July 14), Victory in Europe Day (8 May 1945), and Armistice Day (November 11). Its presence constantly reminds us of France’s unwavering commitment to liberty, equality, and fraternity.
