🇼🇸 The colours of Samoa

Samoa’s flag uses red, blue, and white. Red is linked with courage and the life-blood of the people, blue with freedom, and white with purity. The five white stars form the Southern Cross, a constellation that marks Samoa’s place in the southern hemisphere.

Where no official value is given, the swatch shows the colour family, not the exact shade.

• The five white stars on the flag show the Southern Cross constellation.
• Red, blue, and white are the flag’s three colours.
• Red is said to symbolise courage and the people’s life-blood.
• Blue is associated with freedom; white with purity.
• Strict rules protect the flag from disrespect or damage.

The colours of the flag of Samoa

The flag of Samoa features a red background with a blue rectangle in the top corner next to the flagpole. Inside the blue area are five white stars, arranged to show the Southern Cross constellation. While the law does not officially define what the colours mean, Samoan leaders and scholars have explained their significance: red stands for courage and the life-blood of the people, blue for freedom, and white for purity. The stars themselves point to Samoa’s location in the southern hemisphere.

How the colours were chosen of Samoa

Samoa’s first national flag appeared in 1873, designed by chief Malietoa Laupepa, with a red field, white cross, and white star. Later, a rival chief used a version with a black cross, echoing German influence. During the colonial period, Samoa used German and then New Zealand flags. In 1948, Samoan chiefs created a new flag with a red field and blue canton, featuring stars for the Southern Cross. A fifth, smaller star was added in 1949. This flag continued after independence in 1962.

Official shades and rules of Samoa

Samoa’s flag law sets out exact measurements for the flag and the position and size of each star. The law also requires people to stand still during flag ceremonies and for drivers to stop their vehicles when the flag is raised or lowered. Damaging or insulting the flag can lead to fines or prison.