The Flag of Russia

The earliest known use of the white, blue, and red tricolor dates back to the late 17th century during the reign of Tsar Alexis I, with some sources attributing its origin to Tsar Peter the Great who introduced it as a merchant flag to facilitate Russia's maritime trade. Officially adopted for the first time in 1696, the flag underwent several modifications and was replaced during the Soviet era by the red banner featuring the hammer and sickle. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the tricolor was reinstated as the national flag of the Russian Federation on August 22, 1991. Throughout its history, the colors have been imbued with various meanings, including interpretations such as 'White for nobility, blue for honesty, and red for courage and love,' although these are not officially sanctioned.