The secrets of the flag of French Polynesia

 An emblem rich in history

French Polynesia, located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, is distinguished by its vibrant culture and heavenly landscapes. His flag, officially adopted on November 23, 1984, embodies this uniqueness and this pride local. This is Alfred Chalons, a technology and plastic arts teacher at La Mennais College in Papeete who has worked with his students on its design. It is often seen fluttering alongside the French flag, recalling both theautonomy of the region and his membership to the French Republic.

A powerful visual message

The flag of French Polynesia is composed of three horizontal stripes : two red stripes up and down, and a white band in the center. At the heart of this white band is a circular emblem that attracts attention.

The red and white stripes

Groups red and white are not only aesthetic, but they also have a meaning symbolic. The Red represents the life, the passion and pride of the Polynesian people. But it is also and above all the symbol of royalty. Indeed, in the past, the feather belt (maro ura) that only the members of the royal family were allowed to wear was to Red color. This color was also used to prioritize Polynesian society. The White, as for him, symbolizes as often the purity and Peace.

The central emblem

The central element is the most distinctive symbol of the flag. It represents a double canoe (pahī) topped with five tikis, sailing on five waves, under a radiant sun.

• • The canoe evokes theimportance of navigation in Polynesian culture, a historical activity that shaped life in the islands. In addition, it is a strong symbol of exploration and conquête. Let us not forget that the Polynesians have always had thethe shipping label totally justified people of the sea. But the canoe also symbolizes and once again the royalty since it was for a long time theattribute of kings and great chefs.
  • The Five Tikis sit above the canoe and symbolize the five archipelagos which make up French Polynesia. Let us mention The Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Maupiti etc…), The tuamotu (Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tikehau, Mataiva etc…), The Gambier (Mangareva), The Canopies (Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Fatu Hiva etc…) and the Austral Islands (Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae and Rapa). Furthermore, in the Polynesian mythology, Tiki was considered the creator of humanity, a being half god half man at the origin of life on earth.
  • Waves, they too five in number, characterize the deep link of the Polynesian people with theocean. They obviously evoke a means of communication between the islands and the archipelagos but also a essential nourishing resource.
  • The rays of the sun represent the light, the vitality and Energy, omnipresent in this tropical region. As for their color, originally, Alfred Chalons had imagined them golden yellow. But they finally turned orange, color of the Tahoera'a Huira'atira, the majority political party in the government at the time. Ah, politics…

The historical context: birth of a modern symbol

Before the adoption of this flag in 1984, the French Polynesia had no distinctive flag to represent it. Its adoption reflected the desire to strengthen regional identity while now the links with France. The design of the flag was meticulously thought out to be both a strong cultural symbol and reflection of the unique geography from French Polynesia.

Official and daily use

The flag of French Polynesia is used in various contexts. It is flown during public celebrations, official ceremonies and in government buildings. It is also displayed duringsport events et cultural, showing the pride and unit of the Polynesian people. Next to the French flag, he embodies a double identity : that of a autonomous region within the French franchise.

And for me it represents…

Personally, when I see this magnificent flag, it simply reminds me of  wonderful Polynesian people, namely a unique community et inspirational. He reminds me how lucky I am to live with a people with legendary hospitality. A people who has been sailing for centuries in a deep respect for traditions, eternally in harmony with nature. Always smiling, benevolent et ready to share, the Polynesian embodies in my eyes a genuine generosity. A generosity and values who unfortunately have tendency to disappear in a distant land called a metropolis.

Ultimately

As a result, the flag of French Polynesia is a true testimony of history, culture and identity of this region so endearing. By its colors, Its reasons and symbolic, unit the inhabitants of the islands while celebrant their unique heritage. An emblem that will remain forever anchored in the hearts of Polynesians. But this flag also remains deeply inscribed in me. Because now, my heart vibrates in red and white colors, at the rhythm of a double canoe carried by the trade winds, under the benevolent look from my guide, Tiki.