Flag of BulgariaThe national flag of Bulgaria is a tricolor flag of red, green and white in equal sized horizontal bands.
The current version of the Bulgaria flag has been in use since 1991 when it was re-established with the constitution of Bulgaria and confirmed in a law passed in 1998. The colors of the flag each have their own special symbolism. White represents peace and honesty; red represents hardiness, bravery, valor and strength; and green represents love, hope, and joy, as well as having a sacred significance. Bulgaria first adopted a flag to symbolize its national identity when it gained independence following the Russo-Turkish War that took place between 1877 and 1878. Over the years, the overall design of the flag has changed several times in line with the state emblem, most notably when Bulgaria was under Communist rule between 1946 and 1990, and was then known as The People’s Republic of Bulgaria. During the years of communist rule, the emblem of Bulgaria consisted of a lion within a wreath of pie ears situated below the communist red five pointed star and above a ribbon. This bore the numbers 681, which referred to the year the First Bulgarian Empire was first established, and 1944, which was the year when the Fatherland Front took control of Bulgaria, ultimately leading to the establishment of a communist rule of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria. Like most countries, Bulgaria has a flag etiquette that must be adhered to at all times. Flags are raised in order of precedence as follows: the national flag of Bulgaria, the state flag, the military flag, and lastly, any other flag. The United Nations always displays flags in alphabetical order to ensure no one nation has a perceived superiority over another nation. Other flag etiquette rules include not allowing a national flag to drag along the ground, and if a flag becomes worn or faded, it must be replaced. No disrespect should ever be shown to the national flag in Bulgaria. No other insignias, pictures, designs, text, or words should ever be placed on the flag. The national flag should always be flown the right way up. Flying the flag upside down denotes distress and flying it at half mast indicates mourning or grief. And finally, if a flag of Bulgaria is in such a poor condition that it is no longer suitable for the purpose, it should be destroyed with due care and respect.
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