Flag of Prince Edward Island
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| Proportion | 2:3 |
|---|---|
| Adopted | March 24, 1964 |
The flag of Prince Edward Island, Canada, is a banner modelled after the provincial arms. The flag has the proportions 2:3; the three sides away from the mast are bordered by alternating bands of red and white.
The upper third of the flag features the English heraldic lion which appeared both on the coat of arms of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, for whom the province is named, and on that of King Edward VII. The lower two-thirds show an island on which appear three small oak saplings (on the left) – representing the three counties of PEI (Prince, Queens, and Kings) – under the protection of a great oak tree which represents Great Britain. This symbolism is also reflected in the provincial motto, Parva sub ingenti (the small under the protection of the great).
Based upon the Armorial Bearings of Prince Edward Island, the flag contains a gold Heraldic Lion which also appeared on the Coat of Arms for Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (for whom the Province was named) and on that of King Edward VII, who granted the Bearings. Beneath the lion is a single plot of grass representing PEI and England, both of which are islands. Upon the mound of grass stand a mature Oak tree (the official tree of Prince Edward Island) which represents England and three smaller saplings on the left, representing the 3 counties into which Prince Edward Island has been divided since 1767. Framing the flag on the three sides away from the mast are alternating bands of red and white, the official colors of Canada.
The flag was adopted March 24, 1964.
External links
- Government of Prince Edward Island, InfoPEI: Provincial Symbols
- Flag of Prince Edward Island in the online Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges]
