Symbols are a powerful tool to push ideas forward. To promote the idea of a one state solution I am trying my hand at designing a flag to symbolize one country combining Palestine and Israel.
I am using the 5 Basic Principles of Flag Design, part of Good Flag, Bad Flag, published by the North American Vexillological Association:
- Keep It Simple
- The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory
- Use Meaningful Symbolism
- The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes
- Use 2–3 Basic Colors
- Limit the number of colors on the flag to three, which contrast well and come from the standard color set
- No Lettering or Seals
- Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal
- Be Distinctive or Be Related
- Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections
I want the flag to be easy to draw for a child. The blue flagstaff and the rising sun are easy for a child to put to white paper. The olive branch is also easy; it is big and has distinct shapes and colors.
Peace By The Sea
The symbols come from the joint history of Palestinians and Israelis:
- The blue flagstaff uses the blue stripes from the flag of the State of Israel to represent the Mediterranean Sea
- The rising sun symbolizes renewal and hope for the the future.
- The olive branch on the white field represents peace.
- The colors combine the four Pan-Arab colors and add the blue of the flag of Israel
The last three principles are preserved except for the principle of not using more than 3 basic colors.
