Flag of Prokhogorsk
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Use | National flag |
---|---|
Proportion | 2:3 |
Adopted | 1935 |
Design | A cerulean blue field bisected by a white-fimbriated yellow tri-striped fess charged with the Star of St. Konstantin with a white outline. |
Use | State flag |
Proportion | 2:3 |
Adopted | 1970 |
Design | A cerulean blue field bisected by a white-fimbriated yellow tri-striped fess charged with the coat of arms of the monarch of Prokhogorsk. |
Use | Naval ensign |
Proportion | 2:3 |
Adopted | 1925 |
Design | A white lozenge extending to edges on a field of mariner blue charged with the Star of St. Konstantin. |
The current flag of Prokhogorsk consists of a cerulean blue field bisected by a white-fimbriated yellow tri-striped fess featuring the Star of St. Konstantin. The flag was introduced on February 24, 1935, on the Feast Day of St. Konstantin, replacing the previous flag which was used for a decade prior. The current national flag differs from the original Prokho Empire flag of the 14th century, which consisted of a deep blue field defaced by the Imperial coat of arms; an Esermian bison below a crown on a cardinal red shield. During the Socialist provisional government of 1893 and subsequent Socialist Union from 1894 to 1925, all official flags were devoid of any prior imperial or republican elements and consisted of solid red backgrounds with the socialist star and saltires of white or gold.
History
Darov Flag
The original flag of the Darov Republic was derived from the Darov people who commonly used a green and white tricolour on trader caravans. The Zarov Cross was incorporated as a coat of arms on the flag, similar to banners flown in battle. The green and white tricolour has since been associated to the Darov area and city of Darovskiya, the modern day capital of Prokhogorsk.
Prokho Empire
When the Prokhov family came to power in 1316, the family flag and coat of arms was adopted as the national flag of the absolute monarchy. This flag changed through the various houses, but retained the Prokhov coat of arms as the official symbol of the Empire during its conquest of much of the eastern Esermian mainland.
Flag of the Prokho Republicans
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, republicanism gained momentum as the monarchy began to lose influence over the ever-expanding empire. The republican flag featured a lighter colour scheme of bright blues and whites, hoping to inspire the population with a sense of hope for their nation.
Modern flag
The flag of the Federation was changed on February 24, 1935; the national holiday of the Feast Day of St. Konstantin, the patron saint of Prokhogorsk. The flag retained the same design principle and colour scheme as the flag used from 1925 to 1935, incorporating the Star of St. Konstantin and featuring additional golden lines through the middle of the flag. The flag keeps the same design to the modern day, and was unchanged during re-implementation of the monarchy and Constitution of 1970, however the state flag and other ensigns were changed to reflect the new coat of arms.
Symbolism
The colours of the current flag of Prokhogorsk represent national values, culture and history. The blue of the flag represents both the sky and ocean, while the white represents purity and the snow-covered Prokho landscape during the winter months. The yellow stripes represent the three historical periods of Prokhogorsk (Republic, Socialist, Federation). Numerous changes to the flag have been suggested by various groups, many being controversial despite the simple nature of the flag's symbolism. Many monarchists wish for either the adoption of the state flag as the national and civil flag to include the coat of arms and Prokho Crown, or the inclusion of an additional yellow stripe to represent the original Prokho Empire. Alternatively, many anti-socialists advocate for the removal of a yellow stripe to exclude the historical period of the Socialist Union from the national identity.
The Star of St. Konstantin is the main feature of the current flag. It is represented as being the centre and unifying symbol of the flag and nation. The star is attributed to Prokhogorsk patron saint St. Konstantin, a Zarov Doxological priest who was martyred, and become a national identity after the fall of the Socialist Union.
Although not included on the national flag, the Esermian bison is symbolically represented on the coat of arms which features on the state flag and prime minister's standard. The bison was originally a symbol of economic significance during the Darov Republic, and was used for agricultural purposes. The bison became a sign of royalty during the Prokho Empire, with many emperors choosing to wear items of clothing made from bison fur. The Esermian bison is the national animal of Prokhogorsk, and the species is commonly found roaming on the central plains of Prokhogorsk. The animal is now a protected species, after habitat destruction, poaching, and butchering for food during the Socialist Union drastically impacted the numbers of the Esermian bison.