The national flag of Cambodia is steeped in symbolism and is an ubiquitous sight throughout the country. It symbolises the unity of the people, the country’s history, and its nationhood. In this article, we’ll explore the myriad symbolic meanings of the Cambodian flag, its origin, and the controversies that have surrounded it.
1. Why is Angkor Wat on the Cambodian Flag?
The prominent image on Cambodia’s national flag is the Angkor Wat temple complex, which was once the capital of the great Khmer Empire. The striking silhouette is depicted in bright red on a royal blue background. The iconic shape is thought to represent the entire temple complex, while the red color is believed to symbolize courage, determination, and love for the country. The blue field is widely considered to represent the vast and ever-present sky of Cambodia.
The Angkor Wat temple complex is a symbol of national pride for the Cambodian people, and its presence on the flag serves as a reminder of the country’s rich cultural heritage. The flag also features a white silhouette of three towers, thought to represent the three main towers of the temple complex. This image serves as a reminder of the country’s long history and commitment to preserving its cultural identity.
2. The History of the Cambodian Flag
Before 1863, the flag of the Emperor of Khmer was a yellow triangular flag with a thick green border.
In 1863, Cambodia was a French protectorate. The adopted flag featured a red background with a thick blue border and the white image of Angkor Wat, a large temple, in the center.
Under French control, Cambodia joined the Indochina Federation with Tonkin, Annam, and Cochinchina in 1887. The Cambodian flag remained the same, but the French tricolor flag was flown to represent the union.
In March 1941, Japan occupied Cambodia and introduced a flag with a red background and a square border with smaller white squares in the center and each corner. When Japan surrendered in 1945, the flag reverted to the French protectorate flag.
When Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, a new flag similar to the previous one was adopted. It featured the white image of Angkor Wat on a red background with a blue stripe at the top and bottom.
In 1970, a military-led coup resulted in a republican government and the country became the Khmer Republic. The flag was changed to a green background with three white five-pointed stars in the upper right corner and a red rectangle with white Angkor Wat in the upper left corner.
The Khmer Rouge took control of the Khmer Republic in 1975, renaming the country Democratic Kampuchea. A plain red flag with a yellow monument resembling Angkor Wat was adopted as the national flag.
After Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1979, the People's Republic of Kampuchea was established by the National Front for the Salvation of Kampuchea. The flag featured a plain red background with a central yellow monument similar to Angkor Wat.
In 1989, the country became the State of Cambodia, and the flag became a horizontal red and blue flag with a more elaborate yellow Angkor Wat image in the center.
The United Nations took over the administration of Cambodia in 1992 to bring peace to the country. The UN Transitional Authority flag featured a sky blue background with a white map of the country in the center and blue lettering.
In 1993, the original three horizontal stripes of blue-red-blue with the white three-tower Angkor Wat image in the center was adopted.
3. Cambodia Flag’s Appearance
The two distinct elements of the Cambodian national flag are unified by a unique combination of colors and shapes. The royal blue serves as the background for the deep red image of Angkor Wat. This combination is believed to reflect the blend of strength, resilience, and peace that Cambodian culture values. The flag is almost square, with a ratio of 2:3. Together, these elements make one of the most recognized and beloved symbols of Cambodian identity.
Each element of the flag has a specific meaning. The red symbolizes courage, the blue represents freedom and cooperation, and Angkor Wat signifies integrity and heritage. The flag is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Cambodian people and a source of national pride.
4. Significance of The Cambodian Flag in Culture and Politics
The Cambodian flag is a powerful symbol of national pride, unity, and resilience. Emerging from the dark periods of conflict during the civil war and Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s and 1980s, the flag symbolizes recovery and hope for a better future for Cambodia. It represents the strength of the Cambodian people and their determination to rebuild the nation after years of suffering and hardship.
Culturally and politically, the flag serves as a unifying symbol, reminding Cambodians of their shared history and heritage. Culturally, the image of Angkor Wat reflects the connection between modern Cambodia and its glorious past, and politically, it symbolizes sovereignty and independence. The flag plays an important role in major ceremonial events such as Independence Day and its presence at international events like the Olympics represents Cambodia's standing on the global stage. It is a testament to the endurance and collective identity of the Cambodian people, representing unity during times of struggle and hope for the future.
5. How to Use the Cambodian Flag Properly
It is important to respect the laws and guidelines related to displaying the national flag of any country. In addition to being displayed horizontally or vertically, there are several historical rules regarding how you should display the Cambodian national flag.
When displaying the flag, whether in public or at an event, ensure that it is hung correctly. If displaying the flag vertically, ensure that the blue stripes are on the left and right, with Angkor Wat at the top. The flag should be prominently displayed, ideally in an honored position. When displaying multiple flags, place the Cambodian flag in a prominent position, usually at the highest point or to the right of other flags.
Dignitaries attending official events are required to stand with their hands placed just below the waist, with both palms facing upward while singing the national anthem or at other times when saluting the flag.
Source: Wikipedia
Written by
Long Nghiem
Hello. My name is Long Nghiem, i am a Marketing Staff at Asiatica Travel. My goal is to showcase the stunning beauty of Vietnam and other Southeast Asia countries, and to inspire others to explore. I hope to connect people with the rich cultures and breathtaking landscapes that make travel an enriching experience.