Meaning of the Tahitian Flag: Red-White-Red Symbolism

The flag of French Polynesia (often called the Tahitian flag) features three equal horizontal stripes: red – white – red. Adopted 23 November 1984.

Two Main Interpretations

1. Historical / Struggle Narrative

• Red (top & bottom): Blood shed in wars of resistance and survival
• White (center): Purity, integrity, peace, and the aspiration for harmony

2. Natural / Cultural Symbolism

• Red: Red feathers (ura) of the kura bird (symbol of royalty/chiefs) — or the red sky at sunset over the lagoon
• White: White feathers (purity, spirituality) — or white foam of waves / coral sand

Context

• French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France—the French tricolor is the official national flag
• This flag represents Polynesian identity within the French Republic
• Used by the Government of French Polynesia, at sporting events (Pacific Games), cultural festivals

Design Note

The flag's proportions are 2:3. The red is specified as Pantone 185c; white is pure. No coat of arms or emblem.

Whether read as history or nature, the red-white-red embodies mana (spiritual power) and ma'ohi (Polynesian) identity.