Lesotho: Flag & Arms October 28th, 2017

Lesotho: Flag & Arms

FLAG OF LESOTHO

The first flag of Lesotho, adopted and attached to African flagpoles when the country regained its independence in 1966, was in the colors of the then dominant Lesotho National Party. These colors were blue, white and green.

The party lost control in a coup in 1986, and it was decided to make the national flag more politically neutral in appearance. The diagonal stripes now represent the words of the national motto. White symbolizes peace, blue represents rain and green symbolizes plenty. The simplified, brown silhouette of the arms symbolizes a willingness to defend the country. The Royal Standard is as the national flag, but with the whole arms in color in the canton. The previous national Lesotho flag hoisted from different African flagpoles was blue in color with vertical bands of green and red in the hoist, and a white Basuto hat in the center of the blue panel.

ARMS OF LESOTHO

The arms, dating from independence, have not been changed. Their main charge is a crocodile, the totem animal of King Moshoeshoe 1, who founded and organized the country. The shield is of African design, and stands on a representation of 'Thaba Bosiu', the 'Mountain of Night'. Behind the shield are its spine and a spear and 'knobkerrie', which is a stick used as a club by tribesmen.

Source: Goarticles.com