The flag of Lebanon
(Abstract)
The (green) cedar tree has always been at the centre of the Lebanese flag. In the 18th century, the Maronite Christians already used a white flag trimmed with a cedar tree. Following World War I and the break up with the Ottoman Empire, Lebanon was under French mandate and the cedar tree appeared on the white band of the tricolour flag. The present flag was adopted on independence in 1943.
The red and white stripes are said to have been the colours of the Lebanese legion during World War I. They officially represent respectively the sacrifices of the people for independence and the white snow and purity of the Lebanese mountain summits.
The cedar tree should depict happiness and prosperity for the country! Let us hope that the Lebanese people will finally see their emblem become true again. However, the cedar tree is too old a symbol not to bear a meaning beyond the present time and belonging to any time.
FR