The Frisian flag is the official flag of the province of Friesland (Fryslân in Frisian), one of the northern provinces of the Netherlands. It is a distinct and easily recognizable flag, featuring a blue and white diagonal stripe pattern with red heart-like symbols known as “pompeblêden.”
Description of the Frisian Flag:
- Background: The flag is composed of seven diagonal stripes alternating between blue and white.
- Pompeblêden: The red symbols on the flag resemble hearts, but they actually represent the leaves of the yellow water lily, a common plant in Friesland. There are six of these symbols on the flag, arranged in two rows, with three on each row.
- Stripes: The seven stripes represent the historical “sea countries” (areas with some autonomy) in Friesland during the Middle Ages.
Symbolism:
- Colors and Stripes: The blue and white stripes represent the waterways and lakes in the province, while the red “hearts” (pompeblêden) symbolize the love and pride the Frisian people have for their land.
The Frisian flag is often used by the Frisian people to express their cultural identity and pride in their heritage.
