The secrets of the Ecuadorian flag

Have you noticed any similarities between the flags of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador? Yes? It’s normal, they are made from the flag of Gran Colombia. Let’s discover together the meanings and history of the Ecuadorian flag.

The history of the Ecuadorian flag

On September 26, 1860, Ecuador signed the decree that reinstated the use of the yellow, blue and red stripe flag, creating the current flag of the country. However, it is only from 1900 that the Ecuadorian government regulates its use. Indeed, the standards for the proportions of the bands had not yet been imposed and it is only after this regulation that they are fixed to give the shape to the current flag: the yellow band is present on the 1st half of the flag and the blue and red share the 2nd half. 

Meaning of the colors of the flag

As seen previously, the dominant colors on the Ecuadorian flag are yellow, blue and red. Here are the reasons why these colors were chosen:

• Yellow: symbol of the abundance of agriculture and natural resources, such as gold, present in the country.
• Blue: symbol of the ocean and a clear sky.
• Red: symbol of the blood shed by the fighters to liberate and bring justice to Ecuador.

Meaning of the flag coat of arms

On the flag of Ecuador is a coat of arms full of symbols. It has evolved four times between 1830 and 1860. Here are the different elements and symbols that compose it:

• The condor of the Andes symbolizes the power and grandeur of the country.
• The 4 signs of the zodiac (Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer) evoke the historical months of March, April, May and June that led to the emancipation of the country.
• The sun, located in the middle of the zodiac signs, represents the God of the Sun Inti.
• Mount Chimborazo and the Guayas River that show the brotherhood of Ecuadorians.
• The boat, in the colors of the country, floating on the river, refers to the first steamboat built in Guayaquil, the port city of Ecuador. It thus refers to the trade and navigational knowledge that the country possesses.
• The branches of laurel and palm trees are a sign of triumph and glory.

Would you like to discover Ecuador or perhaps even Colombia? Contact our advisers for an unforgettable trip to discover these countries!