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National Flag Day of Ukraine: date of celebration, history and significance

23 August is the National Flag Day of Ukraine. This holiday highlights the significance of one of the three national symbols of Ukraine – the blue and yellow flag – and its thorny historical path. Read about the history of this holiday, the creation of the Ukrainian flag, its symbolism and significance for the Ukrainian people in the article Komersant ukrainskyi

When is the National Flag Day of Ukraine 2024?

The National Flag Day of Ukraine is celebrated on the eve of Independence Day, and this date was not chosen by chance.

on 23 August 1991, a group of people’s deputies first brought the blue and yellow flag into the session hall of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which became a landmark event on the country’s path to independence.

Date and history of the holiday

This holiday was officially established only in 2004, but its significance cannot be underestimated, and it quickly became one of the most important public holidays. The decree establishing this holiday as a public holiday was signed by the then President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma, and this day used to be a public holiday.

On National Flag Day, it is customary to raise the national flag throughout Ukraine. On this day, the national flag is raised on all government buildings, and citizens place flags on the windows of their homes. Ukrainian flags are also raised abroad.

National Flag Day in Ukraine 2024: will there be a day off?

In connection with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, martial law was declared in Ukraine on 24 February 2024. At the same time, the current labour legislation of Ukraine provides for the cancellation of additional days off for public holidays.

Thus, during the martial law period, all public holidays are working days. Therefore, the National Flag Day will also be a working day.

History of the Ukrainian flag

The Ukrainian flag is a national symbol that has become the embodiment of national unity and the struggle for independence. The history of the Ukrainian yellow and blue flag has deep roots, dating back to ancient times.

The combination of blue and yellow in Ukrainian symbols dates back to the times of Kyivan Rus. In the Middle Ages, the Cossacks used a blue background against which they depicted yellow crosses, celestial bodies and weapons on their banners. However, the true establishment of the blue and yellow flag as a symbol of the Ukrainian people took place during the European revolutions of 1848, known as the “Spring of Nations”. In June 1848, the yellow and blue flag was first flown over Lviv City Hall.

In Naddniprianshchyna, which was part of the Russian Empire at the time, the blue and yellow flag gained popularity as a symbol of national liberation after the 1905-1907 revolution. In 1917, this flag became the official symbol of Ukrainian statehood.

The first official recognition of this flag took place on 22 March 1918, when the Central Rada passed a law. Even after the loss of independence in 1921, the blue and yellow flag remained a symbol of national resistance and the desire to restore statehood.

With the proclamation of Ukraine’s independence in 1991, the blue and yellow flag became the national symbol. on 4 September 1991, this flag flew over the Verkhovna Rada, and on 28 January 1992, it was officially approved as the national flag of Ukraine.

National Flag Day: the significance of this holiday

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, the Ukrainian flag has become even more important for every Ukrainian, as it is now a symbol of the struggle for freedom and independence, which is most clearly felt in the current times when Ukraine is defending its territorial integrity.

Thus, this holiday is intended to remind every Ukrainian of the importance of national unity and the thorny path of Ukraine’s independence. In addition, this day is an additional opportunity for Ukrainians to express pride in their country and support our soldiers who are defending the sovereignty of our country and its territorial integrity.

Author: Olya Yushko