Like the star-spangled banner waving on the Lunar ground, there is one flag that stands proudly over the two thousand isles of the Maldives. It is the white crescent centred solid green rectangle, bordered by a thick red rectangle; the Maldivian National Flag. The current flag came into significance from 1968, after a few minor changes brought to the flag. As simple as the flag may seem, it is indeed a meaningful story that is embedded within the three-colour threaded symbol.
The thin-crescent mimicking the new-moon is a symbol used to identify the Islamic religion in many countries. Similar to the Malaysian, Pakistani and 13 other nations using crescents in their national flags, Maldives is the only country to have omitted a star next to its crescent. A star was present during the final monarchy reign of Sultan Fareed Didi from 1954 until 1968 but was then used as the Presidential flag from then onwards. However, it is indeed no doubt that the crescent is a symbolic statement of the Islamic religion practised amongst all Maldivians.
It is a common misinterpretation that the green rectangle represents the beautiful environment, but it only represents peace and prosperity. The green rectangle was added in 1953 by President Ameen Didi celebrating the expecting peace and prosperity of the island nation. Maldivians faced decades of wars and bloodshed through the World Wars and Colonializes who fought hungry for the Indian Ocean Paradise. It was a reminder of hope, set for Maldivians to always look forward at the future that holds beautifully as they stand united, working together in harmony.
Finally, the thick red border, that has always been the national colour of Maldives. The history of the flag began with a plain red flag that upgraded to what we have now. The red coloured flag has been part of the country as far as 1796, a tribute to the fallen. Those who died fighting and protecting the nation from outsiders, and those who died through the suffering. The red colour pays tribute every fallen martyr and every unsung hero who wove the flag with the utmost patriotism and exhaled the last breath for the sake of this nation.
“Fessaa rathaai hudhaa ekee fenumun kureeme salaam” (green, red, white altogether, we salute) the national anthem sings poetically as the flag waves synchronized with the wind. Take a moment to visit the Republic Square at the Northern point of Male’ City, the once tallest monument known as the ‘The Great Flag’ or ‘Bodu Dhidha’ is a mesmerizing marvel that is the torch of patriotism for many Maldivians. Do visit, it is just - beautiful.
