A Spectrum of Scarlet: The Symbolic Red of Asian Flags

A common thread that unites many Asian flags is the prominent use of red, a colour rich with symbolism

Across Asia, red on national flags serves as a profound emblem of identity, struggle, and unity. Whether signifying the blood shed during tumultuous struggles as seen in Vietnam and Bangladesh, embodying philosophical ideals as in South Korea, or reflecting cultural heritage like in Turkey and Mongolia, red is more than a colour; it's a narrative of endurance, hope, and collective spirit.

Each flag with its scarlet hue tells a story woven into the nation's fabric, reflecting its people's journey through time and their aspirations for the future.

CHINA

China's flag is a notable example of red's prominence and significance. The red background represents the Communist Revolution and the blood of those who sacrificed for the nation's past struggles. It reflects the spirit of socialist unity and the perseverance of the Chinese people. The larger star represents the Communist Party, while the four smaller stars symbolise Mao's four social classes: the working class, the peasantry, the urban petite bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie.

JAPAN

Japan's national flag, known as the Nisshoki or more commonly the Hinomaru, features a red circle at its centre, representing the sun. The colour red here symbolises strength, passion, courage, and the lifegiving power of the sun, which plays an important role in Japanese mythology and religion, as the Emperor is considered the direct descendant of the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu.

SOUTH KOREA

While South Korea's flag is predominantly white, the red half of the Taegeuk in the centre symbolises positive cosmic forces - the concept of yang, which stands for life and the creative, active forces in the Universe. Partnered with blue, the red illustrates balance, embodying the harmony central to Korean philosophy and identity.

VIETNAM