The text explains the history, meaning, and evolution of the Haitian national flag throughout the country’s political history.

Origin of the Haitian Flag

The Haitian flag consists of:

• a blue horizontal band on top,
• a red horizontal band on the bottom.

It was created in 1803 during Haiti’s fight for independence from France.

Creation of the Flag

According to Haitian history:

• Jean-Jacques Dessalines removed the white section from the French tricolor flag.
• He joined the blue and red colors together to symbolize unity between Black people and Mulattoes fighting for freedom.
• The new flag was officially presented at the Congress of Arcahaie on May 18, 1803.

Catherine Flon

• Catherine Flon is traditionally recognized as the woman who sewed the first Haitian flag together.
• She became an important national symbol of patriotism and unity.

Meaning of the Coat of Arms

The Haitian coat of arms includes:

• a royal palm tree,
• the liberty cap,
• weapons and cannons,
• the national motto:

“L’Union Fait la Force” (“Unity Makes Strength”).

This represents national unity and independence.

Historical Changes to the Flag

Dessalines Empire (1805)

• The flag changed to vertical black and red colors.

Alexandre Pétion (1806)

• The blue and red horizontal design returned.
• The coat of arms was added in the center.

Henri Christophe

• Used a black and red royal flag in northern Haiti.

Duvalier Era (1964–1986)

• François Duvalier restored the black and red flag during his dictatorship.
• After the fall of Jean-Claude Duvalier in 1986, the blue and red flag was restored.

Constitution of 1987

The Haitian Constitution officially confirms:

• the blue and red national colors,
• the national coat of arms,
• the national motto:

“Liberty – Equality – Fraternity.”

Important Dates

• May 18, 1803 — creation of the Haitian flag.
• January 1, 1804 — Haiti’s independence.
• 1843 — constitutional officialization of the flag.
• 1964 — replacement by the black and red version.
• 1986–1987 — restoration of the current flag.

Symbolic Importance

The Haitian flag represents:

• independence,
• unity,
• freedom,
• resistance against slavery and colonialism.

May 18 is celebrated in Haiti as Haitian Flag Day.