The Rainbow Flag
The rainbow flag has been the co-operative emblem since 1921. Like the rainbow, this flag is a symbol of hope and peace. Each of the seven colours in the flag has a special meaning for
co-operators.
- Red: stands for courage
- Orange: offers the vision of possibilities
- Yellow: represents the challenge that green has kindled
- Green: indicates a challenge to strive for membership growth
- Sky Blue: suggests far horizons, the need to provide education and help the less fortunate and unity with all peoples of the world
- Dark Blue: represents the less fortunate who can learn to help themselves through co-operation
- Violet: represents warmth, beauty, and friendship
Like the rainbow, this flag is a symbol of hope and peace. Everybody in the world can recognize a rainbow and grasp its many meanings. Rainbow refers to the image in the sky after a rain storm, in every country and continent. In cultures around the world, there are stories and legends about the rainbow as a path or gate to a better world or a reward. And, from a scientific viewpoint, the rainbow is, in fact, a single, indivisible entity.
The Co-operative Rainbow Flag includes all the colours of the flags of the world. Each colour contributes to the whole and symbolizes harmony and universal unity of all people.
RAINBOWS ARE UNIVERSAL
Because the rainbow is a universally recognized symbol, there are many flags that include the rainbow motif. The co-operative flag is often misunderstood to represent other organizations or movements. In addition to the co-operative movement, other organizations which also use a rainbow flag include...
- International Peace Movements: A 7-colour rainbow, often with the word Pace (Italian for Peace) written on it. (Used as early as the 18th century.)
- Tawantinsuyu, the Pre-Columbian Inca empire (and some other indigenous peoples in Peru). A 7-colour rainbow.
- Used by some Druze communities in the Middle-east.
A 5-colour rainbow. - LGBT organizations internationally. Flags include 5,6 or
7-colours in the rainbow.
