Lebanon Flag

The two red stripes symbolize the blood shed in defending the nation from invaders, while the white represents purity, peace, and the snow-capped mountains of Lebanon. The central cedar tree, a symbol of immortality, endurance, and resilience, serves as an enduring emblem of national identity and unity.

The cedar tree had been a symbol of the land since ancient times and gained prominence under French mandate. During the declaration of independence in 1943, Henri Pharaon’s design combining red-white-red with the cedar was enshrined into the constitution on 7 December 1943. In 1990, the design was standardized to specify that the cedar must be entirely green, removing earlier brown-trunk depictions. National Flag Day was later declared to commemorate the first hoisting in 1943.

The flag features two narrow red stripes flanking a wider central white stripe (proportion 1:2:1). The green cedar occupies one-third of the white band and touches the red edges. The construction is precisely defined in constitutional article 5.

Display is mandated by the constitution: the flag must be flown on official buildings, churches, schools, and public ceremonies. Standards require exact proportions, a green cedar, and respectful treatment. Flags may not touch ground or be flown if damaged. It is flown at half-mast during periods of mourning or national tragedy.