Symbols of Nova Caradia
The national flag of Nova Caradia. | |
Use | National flag and ensign |
---|---|
Proportion | 5:3 |
Adopted | 1689 AN |
Designer | Alecsi |
Flag
The flag of Nova Caradia, occasionally known as the Banner of the Republic (Sarnechi: Steagul Republicii), is the national flag of the Republic of Nova Caradia. The flag was adopted with the signing of the 1689 constitution of the republic, which detailed the flag, coat of arms, and other symbols of the nation.
The flag features three equivalent horizontal stripes alternating crimson-white-crimson. The white in this pattern represents the new beginning embodied by the republic, while the crimson represents those who lost their lives in the civil war that ultimately resulted in the republic's creation. Along the centre stripe are four black stars, two either side of centre. These represent the four cities that formed the basis of the nation at its beginning (Rorfast, Mina Mițura, Brațav, and Barochești). Finally, in the centre of the flag is a black icon of crossed swords, often called the săbiile încrucișate, which represent peace.
Other Flags
The republic has two official naval ensigns, one military and one civilian. All military ships and civilian ships that operate outside of the republic's territorial waters are required to fly both the national flag and their appropriate ensign at all times.
The civilian ensign consists of a white field with two perpendicular crimson bars and a white circle in the centre. The military ensign is identical, except that it displays the săbiile încrucișate of the national flag inside the white circle.
The Nova Caradia Defence Force has a military flag, which consists of a red field and a white vertical bar on the hoist side. At the centre of the red field is a white version of the simple symbol of Nova Caradia with two white stars to either side.
Coat of Arms
The coat of arms of Nova Caradia consists of a pair of black, crossed swords encircled binding chains, and four black stars positioned inside of the swords.. The iconography of crossed swords (Sarnechi: săbiile încrucișate) dates back to an ancient association of the idea with peace in the Duchy of Caradia, which began with a tradition in the nation's early history wherein a feuding person who wished to end an argument amicably and without violence would hold a sword out in front of their chest. If the other agreed to end the argument peacefully, they would place their sword crossed with the other, then both people would sheath their swords and part ways. The encircling chain represents the reborn nation's commitment to remain bound by law, rather than become totalitarian again.