The Flag of Latvia

The origins of the Latvian flag date back to a legend from the 13th century, involving a wounded Latvian tribal chief who was wrapped in a white sheet. The parts of the sheet that were not soaked with his blood remained white, inspiring the creation of the flag. Historically documented first uses of the flag trace back to the late 19th century, specifically to 1870. It was officially adopted on November 18, 1918, following the declaration of independence from Russia. The flag was banned during Soviet and Nazi German occupations, between 1940 and 1991, except for the period of Latvian independence during WWII from 1941 to 1944. The flag was re-adopted on February 27, 1990, before Latvia regained full independence on August 21, 1991.