I’m sure you’ve always wondered what’s the meaning of the symbols on the Slovenian flag (not to be confused with the flag of Slovakia, since the countries have similar names and flags).
So, let’s learn some interesting facts about what the flag of Slovenia is supposed to represent, along with some useful vocabulary and history of the country.
Table Of Contents
What’s On The Slovenian Flag?
The Slovenian flag has three horizontal stripes in white, blue, and red. Each color takes up one third of the flag. In the top left corner, you can see the coat of arms, which sits partly on the white stripe and partly on the blue one. The flag is twice as long as it is tall.
Meaning Of The Colors On The Flag
The colors of Slovenia’s flag are not random choices. They have important meanings from Slovenia’s history.
Slovenia chose the colors of white, blue, and red from the Russian flag to express solidarity with their fellow Slavic nations during the Napoleonic Wars.
The connection to these colors goes even further back, though. The flag’s colors come from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Carniola, which was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Holy Roman Emperor gave this region a coat of arms featuring a white shield with a blue eagle and a red-and-white checkered crescent. So, the white, blue, and red on the flag are also a nod to Slovenia’s historical and cultural roots.
The Coat Of Arms
The national coat of arms of Slovenia has many symbols, and each one of them has a specific meaning. The coat of arms has the same colors as the flag — white, blue, and red. It’s shaped like a shield and is bordered in red. In the shield, you can see the following symbols.
Mount Triglav
At the center of the shield, against a blue background, is a depiction of Mt. Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak, in white. The name Triglav literally means three-head, because the mountain has three peaks when seen from a certain standpoint. This represents the country’s Alpine region, natural beauty, and national pride.
Wavy Lines
Below the mountain, you can see two wavy blue lines. They represent Slovenia’s coastline along the Adriatic Sea and its rivers, like the Ljubljanica River, that flows through the capital city. The lines and the mountain are there to show the richness of Slovenian geography.
Gold Stars
The three golden, six-pointed stars above Triglav on Slovenia’s coat of arms are more than just pretty symbols. They come from the coat of arms of the Counts of Celje, an important medieval family in Slovenia’s history. These stars are arranged in a triangle, which symbolizes democracy. Instead of one star standing out, the constellation of stars represents a sense of equality and collective governance, showing that everyone has a role in shaping the country.
A Brief History Of The Flag
The Slovenian flag was raised for the first time on April 7, 1848, during the Spring of Nations in Ljubljana. The Austrian Government officially recognized this flag as the flag of Carniola, which was a big win for Slovene nationalism. The design became an important symbol for Slovenians.
During World War II, both the Partisan Resistance and the Slovene Home Guard used different versions of the flag. After the war, the Socialist Republic of Slovenia had a version with a red star. When Slovenia became independent from Yugoslavia in 1991, the flag was updated to its current design: the red star was removed, and a new coat of arms was created by a man named Marko Pogačnik.
How Is The Slovenian Flag Displayed?
The flag is displayed on a flagpole horizontally. When it’s shown with other flags, it takes the place of honor on the left. If it’s flying alongside the European Union flag, the Slovenian flag is still on the left. However, during official visits from foreign leaders, it might be on the right.
Flags are flown at half-mast during mourning. This means that they are lowered a bit, as a sign of respect.
What Are Slovenia’s Other National Symbols?
Slovenia’s most important national symbols are its flag, coat of arms, and the national anthem.
But there are several national symbols that represent Slovenian culture as well. The folktale of the Goldenhorn and the red carnation, which is the national flower, are both important symbols.
Unique animals like the Human Fish, the Carniolan honey bee, and the Lipizzaner horse also represent the Slovenian identity.
Key cultural symbols include the Slovenian books of Primož Trubar, and France Prešeren’s poetry, which is featured in the national anthem.
Traditional architecture, like the hayrack (toplar), is a big deal to Slovenia’s heritage as well.
How Do You Say Flag In Slovenian?
The word for ‘flag’ in Slovenian is zastava.
When you want to say Slovenian flag, you can say slovenska zastava.
Slovenian Flag-Related Vocabulary
How would you discuss the Slovenian flag in its native language? Easy, just learn from this vocabulary list:
| English | Slovenian |
|---|---|
| Coat of Arms | Grb |
| White | Bela |
| Blue | Modra |
| Red | Rdeča |
| Stripe | Črta |
| Width | Širina |
| Length | Dolžina |
| Half-Mast | Na pol droga |
| Foreign Nation | Tuja država |
| International Organization | Mednarodna organizacija |
| Independence Day | Dan neodvisnosti |
| Solidarity | Solidarnost |
| Slavic Nations | Slovanski narodi |
| Napoleonic Wars | Napoleonove vojne |
| Holy Roman Empire | Sveto rimsko cesarstvo |
| Crown Land of Carniola | Kranjska dežela |
| County of Celje | Celjski grofje |
| Stars | Zvezde |
| Adriatic Sea | Jadransko morje |
Interested in other Slovenian topics? Want to learn some basic phrases first before moving on to more challenging ones? Think about giving the Ling app a try, a language-learning app that makes learning hard languages fun!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slovenian Flag
What Did Slovenia Used To Be Called?
Slovenia used to be called the Socialist Republic of Slovenia. It was part of Yugoslavia from 1945 to 1991, when it declared independence and became the Republic of Slovenia. That day is known as Statehood Day in Slovenia and is celebrated on June 25 every year.
Is Slovenia A Soviet Country?
No, Slovenia was never part of the Soviet Union or the Soviet bloc. After World War II, it was part of Yugoslavia, which was independent from the Soviet Union.
What Is The Slovenian Military Flag?
The Slovenian military flag has three horizontal stripes: white, blue, and red. It features the Slovenian Army emblem in the center and the text “Republic of Slovenia; Slovene Army” in gold around it.
What Important Symbols Teach Us
When we understand what is shown on a flag, we also gain insight into that country’s history and culture. The Slovenian flag represents Slovenia’s national pride, and connections to its past.
The flag is always displayed with honor and respect, standing as a symbol of Slovenian identity and unity! Learning about what the symbols on the flag represent is an excellent way for language learners to connect with Slovenia.
