The Secret History Behind Burundi's Flag
Burundi's flag used to have a royal drum, and the three stars came after the monarchy ended.
After the monarchy was overthrown in November 1966, the Karyenda, the royal drum, was removed from the flag. The new design became official in 1967 and was reconfirmed by decree on September 27, 1982.
It is a white diagonal cross, a saltire, that divides the flag into four panels: red on top and bottom, green on the hoist and fly sides. In the center is a white disk with three red six-pointed stars outlined in green. White stands for peace, green for the hope of future development and red for the suffering during the struggle for freedom.
The three stars match the national motto, "Unity, Work, Progress". Many people also read them as the three main groups of the country, the Tutsi, Hutu and Twa.
The date printed on every Burundi design in our catalog, July 1, 1962, is Independence Day.
Three stars, a white cross and a motto in three words.
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