Flag of Macau

Flag of Macau. The regional flag of the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is a light green field charged with a stylized white lotus flower, the Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge, and water in white lines beneath an arc of five golden, five-pointed stars. Officially adopted on 20 December 1999, the flag symbolizes the region's handover from Portugal to China and its status under the principle of "One country, two systems". Its design elements collectively represent Macau's cultural heritage, natural environment, and its future as an integral part of the nation.

Description

The flag's proportions are defined as 2:3, with its background being a distinctive light green color. Centered on the field is a large, stylized white lotus flower in bloom. Below the lotus are three white lines depicting the water of the Pearl River Delta, above which is a stylized representation of the Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge, a notable landmark connecting the Macau Peninsula and Taipa. Arcing above the lotus are five five-pointed golden stars, identical to those found on the flag of China, with the central star being slightly larger. The design was created by Xiao Hong, a professor at the Henan University, following a public competition organized by the Government of Macau prior to the handover.

Symbolism

Each element of the flag carries profound symbolic meaning tied to Macau's identity and political status. The lotus flower, which is also featured on the emblem of Macau, symbolizes the region's purity, resilience, and cultural roots, as it is the floral emblem of Macau and thrives in its aquatic environment. The Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge represents the connection between Macau's people and its geography, as well as its historical and modern development. The three white lines beneath signify Macau's position as a port and its relationship with the surrounding waters of the South China Sea. The arc of five golden stars directly mirrors those on the national flag, signifying Macau's reunification with China and the unity of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, as articulated in the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration.

History

Prior to the adoption of the current flag, Macau used the flag of Portugal as its official banner during the colonial era, which began with the establishment of a permanent Portuguese settlement in 1557 under agreements with the Ming dynasty. Following the Carnation Revolution in Lisbon, Portugal and the People's Republic of China established diplomatic relations and commenced negotiations over Macau's future. The design for the new regional flag was selected in 1993, several years after the signing of the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration which stipulated the transfer of sovereignty. The flag was first officially hoisted at midnight on 20 December 1999 during the historic Handover of Macau ceremony, presided over by President Jiang Zemin and Prince D. Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza, replacing the Portuguese flag and marking the end of over four centuries of Portuguese administration.

Protocol and use

The regional flag is governed by specific regulations outlined in the Basic Law of Macau and subsequent legislation passed by the Legislative Assembly of Macau. It must be displayed daily at the principal government buildings, including the Headquarters of the Macau SAR Government and the Public Administration Building. The flag is flown alongside the flag of China on all official occasions and national holidays, such as National Day of the People's Republic of China and the Macau SAR Establishment Day. According to statutes, the regional flag must be treated with respect; desecration of the flag is a criminal offense. Protocol dictates that when displayed with other flags, the national flag takes the position of honor, a practice consistent with protocols in Hong Kong and mainland cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Related flags

The flag shares its symbolic language of stars with the national flag of China and the regional flag of Hong Kong, both representing the "One country, two systems" framework. Its use of a local flower as a central motif is similar to the flag of Quebec which features the fleur-de-lis, or the flag of Hong Kong with its Bauhinia blakeana. Historically, it replaced the colonial-era flags of Portugal, including the distinctive Flag of Portuguese Macau which incorporated the Portuguese Shield and the Armillary sphere. Other flags used in the territory include the standard of the Chief Executive of Macau and the ensigns of the Macau Customs Service and the Public Security Police Force of Macau.

Category:Flags of China Category:National symbols of Macau Category:1999 establishments in Macau