Throughout history, Montenegro has changed its symbolism several times. However, the colors and basic attributes remained the same. Montenegrins do not advertise their attitude to the country’s official symbols, but treat them with care. To understand the development of the state, it is necessary to study the flag of Montenegro – its history, changes and modern appearance.
Content
State symbols of Montenegro
Montenegrins associate the symbols of the state as a centuries-old struggle for independence. Its territory was conquered several times and was under the protectorates of other countries. But the inhabitants have always considered themselves an independent people with their own history and traditions. This is reflected on the Montenegrin flag and coat of arms.
The following colors were used in the symbols of the state:
- Red. It was the official shade of the ruling royal dynasty.
- Blue. Symbolizes the Adriatic Sea.
- White. Represents the unity of the people with the government and the church.
In the history of the country, golden colors were often present on the canvas. They point to the noble, royal origins of the ruling families. Gradually they were removed. For a while there was a double-headed eagle, very similar to the Russian symbol of power.
Flag history
Prior to the establishment of the principality, there was no official flag in Montenegro. The reason – these areas were under the protectorate of other countries, locals were grouped into tribes and communities. Some areas were ruled by feudal lords, for whom symbolism had no priority. The situation began to change in the middle of the 19th century.
Principality
The father of Prince Nicholas I initiated the appearance of the country’s symbols. He developed the concept of the Montenegrin flag, which was a principality in the early 19th century. His son, Nicholas, became the most prominent ruler and then the first king of the state. He sought complete independence of the country.
Features of a cloth:
- Red background.
- A double-headed eagle with “NI” symbols in the center. They point to Nicholas I.
- Below is a golden lion.
It was the official flag of Montenegro from 1851 to 1910. It existed until the status of the state changed, when it ceased to be a principality.
Kingdom
To strengthen statehood and establish ties with other royal families in Europe, Nicholas in 1901 accepted the title of king. It was necessary for the marriage of his son with the granddaughter of Queen Victoria (England). This caused a change in the appearance of the cloth. Now it had more in common with the Russian tricolor.
Changes:
- Three colors – red, blue and white.
- The golden lion moved to the center of the double-headed eagle.
- Removed the inscription: “N.I.”.
The official year is the water of symbolism – 1910. In this form it lasted until 1918. Then there were changes in the statehood of the country.
History 1918-1941
The crisis at the beginning of the First World War affected the economy and the determination of the people of Montenegro. Under pressure from the Great National Assembly, Nicholas I abdicated in 1918. The country is part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.
From 1918 to 1941, the official flag of Montenegro was missing. During this period, the idea of a single Balkan state was born. She still has her followers. However, the beginning of hostilities in 1939 in Europe changed plans, the Balkan Peninsula became a place of battle between the two superpowers.
German occupation and Italian protectorate
On June 12, 1941, the territory was occupied by the combined forces of Germany and Italy. The official protectorate of the latter is announced. During this time, the Kingdom of Serbs was abolished, and Montenegro became under the control of coalition forces.
The banner is updated to give it official status. It now lacks the double-headed eagle and other symbols of royal rule. There are only three colored stripes left. This image lasted until 1945, even during the German occupation. Sekula was in charge of the country at that time Drlevich . But all his decisions were coordinated with the occupiers.
Socialist Republic of Montenegro
After liberation in 1945, the state became part of the Warsaw Pact. On January 31, 1946, the Socialist Republic of Montenegro was established. But this did not mean full independence, the country became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The government could not make full-fledged decisions. It was under Belgrade’s control.
Banner changes:
- A five-pointed star appeared in the center.
- It is framed by a golden line.
- The color of the star is red.
In fact, the Montenegrin flag remained the same, but a mandatory attribute of the state’s socialist affiliation was added. It existed before the collapse of the USSR and the Balkan crisis.
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
After the separation of the Balkan Peninsula, a referendum was held in the country. The people decided to remain part of Yugoslavia. This situation continued until the end of 1990. Then one of the initiators of independence, Milo Djukanovic, decided to start the movement for the final separation of Montenegro into a separate state.
This affected the flag of Montenegro, which changed the location of colored lines. At the top is white, in the middle – red. Blue shifted the lower area of the cloth. However, it lasted no more than 10 years.
The modern version
In 2004, the final version of the flag was adopted. Now the country has become completely independent, has applied to join the European Union. The official currency was the Euro. But part of the population wants to unite with Serbia. The basis is kinship and historical ties.
Features of the official flag of Montenegro in modern history:
- Aspect ratio and proportions – 1: 3, rectangular view.
- The main background is red.
- There is a golden stripe on the edges.
- In the center is an image of a double-headed eagle.
It is used officially, during ceremonies, adopted by the international community. However, some people want to see the classic tricolor flag.