Page 232 - (DK) Complete Flags of the World
P. 232

Australasia and Oceania


          Palau


          Ratio: 5:8   Adopted: January 1, 1981   Usage: National and Civil

              The golden disc                                Blue symbolizes the
               depicts the full                              freedom of self-rule
             moon, considered
            by Palauans to be
              the best time for
              celebrations and
                  harvesting



                                          The full moon is set
                                          slightly toward the hoist


                         Under US control since 1945, Palau became a
                         republic in 1981. In 1994, it became independent
                         in association with the United States.

          The current flag was introduced in  sits slightly off center toward the
          1981 when Palau became a republic.    hoist, represents the full moon. The
          Previously, the flag of the Trust  Palauans consider the full moon to be
          Territory of the Pacific Islands was   the optimum time for human activity.
          flown jointly with the United      This time of the month when
          Nations and United States flags.   celebrations, harvesting and planting,
                                            fishing, tree-felling, and the carving
          THE SYMBOLISM OF THE FLAG         of traditional canoes are carried out.
          The flag’s very simple design belies  The moon is a symbol of peace, love
          the depth of meaning attributed to it.   and tranquility.
          The explanation for the choice of
          colors is rooted in the history and   THE SEAL OF PALAU
          customs of the Palauan people.    Palau does not have a coat of arms,
          The bright blue of the field, which  but has a seal, adopted in 1981, when
          might be assumed to be symbolic   the country became a republic. The
          of the Pacific Ocean, is in fact a  seal is not colored. It depicts a
          representation of the transition   traditional Palauan triangular hut,
          from foreign domination to self-  above the date of adoption. This is
          government. The golden disc, which   surrounded by the title of the state.



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