As the above picture of the Ecuador Flag indicates the background is tri-color - three horizontal bands of yellow (top and double width), blue, and red with the coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag
According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the Ecuador flag represent the following:
Yellow - a symbol of generosity
Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour
Blue - vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance & justice
All Flag pictures depict flags flying, from the viewer's point of view, from left to right
The shape and flag ratio of the Ecuador flag is described as 1:2 ( length twice the height )
The emblem on the Ecuador flag pictures the Ecuador coat of arms
The Meaning & History of the Ecuador Flag
The inspiration and design for Ecuador's flag came from the instigator of South American Independence, General Francisco Gabriel de Miranda (1750-1816)
It was then adopted by the Republics of Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela
These three countries formed a confederation from 1822 until 1830 when they each became separate nations
The flag has remained the same for the three sovereign states with only slight differences distinguishing one flag from the others
The Coat of Arms of Ecuador is in the shape of heart and rests on a bundle of sheaves which is the Republic's insignia for dignity
The palm and laurel branches between them symbolize victory
The condor perched at the top offers the country shelter and protection and stands ready to strike out against any enemies
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer represent parts of the Zodiac and the Sun takes its place in the middle of these signs which are historically significant to Ecuadorians
The Chimborazo Mountain is displayed being the highest in the Andes Range
The steamboat "Guayas" is also pictured and was the first of its kind in South America.
The flag of Ecuador was adopted on September 26, 1860
Flag Terminology - Did you Know ?
The design and description uses specific flag terminology based on Heraldic principles
Animal blazons should always appear with the heads facing the flag - staff side
The Study of the Flags is called Vexillology
Your interest in flags makes you a Vexillologist!
Increase your knowledge - Play the Flag Quiz
Flag History & Evolution:
The idea of flying a flag grew from the requirements of ancient warfare and the battlefield
Shields were painted with emblems to identify Friend or Foe
Warriors needed to know where their leaders were - the custom of carrying a pole was adopted
An emblem such as a shield, animal or religious device was attached to the pole for identification
The emblems were also used for identity and to cover suits of armour - Coats of Arms were born
These emblems were the forerunners of modern flags
The Romans were the first to use a cloth flag - they were square and fastened to cross bars at the end of spears - the idea of fastening a flag to the side of a pole soon followed
The strict rules of Heraldry are still used when designing an emblem and creating a modern flag
Ecuador Flag Etiquette
Ecuador Flag etiquette is very strict and is is essential that Flag protocols and rules are followed correctly
Basic Flag Etiquette applies to all nations, including Ecuador as follows:
Etiquette relating to the order of precedence for the flag
National Flag of Ecuador
State Flag of Ecuador
Military Flag of Ecuador (in order of creation date)
Other Flag of Ecuador
The United Nations uses alphabetical order when presenting a national flag including the Ecuador Flag. Their flag etiquette ensures that no one country's flag has precedence over another country's flag
The National flag of Ecuador should never be flown above another national flag on the same staff as this would suggest superiority, or conversely, inferiority of one flag, or Nation, over another
The Ecuador flag should never be allowed to drag along the ground
A tattered or faded flag of Ecuador should be removed and replaced with a new flag
Due care and consideration must be taken to ensure that the Ecuador flag is always flown the correct way up
A Flag of Ecuador, when in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning in private with all due care and respect
Terminology & Etiquette in Ecuador Flag display
Hoist - the act or function of raising the Ecuador flag, as on a rope
Half Staff or Half Mast - the Ecuador flag is hoisted to half of the potential height of the flag pole to denote grief and mourning
Performed by first raising the Ecuador flag to the top, then lowering the Ecuador Flag halfway
Distress - denoted by flying the Ecuador flag upside-down
Manner of hoisting - The Ecuador flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously
No disrespect should be shown to the Ecuador flag
The Ecuador flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit the Flag to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way
The Ecuador flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing on the flag of any nature
The Ecuador flag should be hoisted first and lowered last
International Flag relating to Ecuador Flag usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace
We hope that the presentation of facts and information regarding Ecuador Flag Etiquette has provided a useful resource.
Ecuador
Location:
Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru
Land Size of Ecuador : 276,840 sq km
Climate / Weather of Ecuador : tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands
Population of Ecuador : 13,212,742 (July 2004 est.)
Capital City of Ecuador : Quito
GDP of Ecuador : $45.46 billion (2003 est.)
Main Industries : petroleum, food processing, textiles, wood products, chemicals
Main Colors of Ecuador Flag : Yellow, blue and red
South America - Concise History of the Mesoamerican civilisations
Mesoamericans were the ancient civilisations of South America which is now divided into 12 independent countries consisting of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela
The diverse civilizations of ancient Mesoamerica included the Olmecs, Toltecs, Aztecs, Incas and Mayans
5000-1200 BC The Ancestors of the people of South America were believed to have been nomadic Asian hunter-gatherers who crossed over the frozen Bering Strait and into North America. From there they traveled to the lands of South America and were the descendents of the great Mesoamerican civilisations and established corn cultivation, pottery and the use of stone tools
The Olmecs - 1200 BC- 300 AD The Olmecs were the first true civilisation of South America and were the ancestors of the later cultures
The Mayan Civilisation - 300 - 1500's The Mayans empire covered Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Mayans developed astronomy and hieroglyphic writing
The Toltec Civilisation - 900's - 1100's The Toltecs ruled Mexico and Guatemala from the 10th to the 12th century
The Aztec Civilisation - 1100'S- 1500'S The Aztecs' rose to power in Mexico during the 12th and 13th centuries and remained in control until the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th Century
The Inca Civilisation - 1438 - 1535 The empire of the Incas covered Peru, Bolivia, northern Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador. The amazing rise of the Incas was achieved in less than one hundred years and covered an area of nearly 400,000 square miles
The Spanish conquistadors - 1535 The later civilisations of South America abruptly ended in 1535 when the Spanish conquistadors seized control
Concise History of Ecuador & its Flag
1535 Spanish conquistadors overthrew the Incan Empire and Ecuador came under the rule of Spain
1700s Spain combined Ecuador with neighbouring territories into one large colony called the Viceroyalty of New Granada
The Viceroyalty of New Granada consisted of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama
Venezuelan General Francisco Gabriel de Miranda (1750-1816) participated in major political events for more than three decades
1810 - Overthrow of the king of Spain by Napoleon
1810 The territories of the Viceroyalty of New Granada set up their own independent governments
1814 Spain sent troops to South America to quell the uprising of the colonists
1819 General Simon Bolivar defeats royalist forces in the Battle of Boyaca on August 7 and the Republic of Colombia (also known as Gran Colombia) is proclaimed on December 17, consisting of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador
1822 Spanish rule in Ecuador ended after the defeat of the Spaniards in the battle of Pichincha
1830 Ecuador became an independent country
1859 Charles Darwin published his book Origin of Species after studying a variety of plant and animal life on the Galapagos Islands, which belong to Ecuador
1861 Gabreial Garcia Moreno became president
1875 Gabreial Garcia Moreno was assassinated
1896 General Eloy Alfaro took control of the government ending the power of the Roman Catholic church over the government
1925 - 1948 Ecuador had 22 presidents or chiefs of state none of them served a complete term due to economic and social problems
1963 Military rule
1966 End to the military rule
1970 Velasco suspended the constitution and began to govern as dictator
1972 Velasco was overthrown by military leaders
1972 General Guillermo Rodriguez Lara took power
1976 Rodriguez Lara was removed from office by the military
1979 Ecuador began electing government officials again
"Around the World in 80 minutes!"
A combination of information regarding a Nation's flag, History, Geography and Current Events provides an accurate snapshot of the evolution of each country
In just a short period of time this concise information with specific facts will improve your overall understanding of the great countries of the World
A useful Educational Resource accessed from the Index
You can go "Around the World in 80 minutes!"
The Flag and Nation of Ecuador
We hope that the presentation of facts and information regarding the Flag and Country of Ecuador has provided a useful educational resource. To improve your knowledge of Flags and Vexillology still further check out the Flags and Nations Index and test your knowledge with our interactive, multi-choice, picture-based Flag Trivia Quiz Game - it's fast and it's fun! If you answer all questions correctly you will earn the right to enter the Vexillologist Hall of Fame!
