THE FLAG LOCKER

The flag was unanimously adopted on 27 October, 1983 following the merger of the municipalities of Dokkum, Oostdongeradeel and Westdongeradeel. In 2019 Dongeradeel merged with Ferwerderadiel and Kollumerland en Nieuwkruisland to form the new municipality Noardeast-Fryslân.

The Dutch East Indies (Netherlands Indies) never had their own flags. Dutch overseas colonies didn't begin to receive individual flags until the 1950's; after the collapse of the Dutch East Indies and the independence of Indonesia.

Nicknamed the Prinsenvlag (Prince Flag) after Prince William of Orange who lead the Dutch provinces in their revolt against Spain.

Why the flag transitioned from an orange band to a red band is unknown. It may be attributed to a new technique for creating an orange dye that had a deeper red appearance, or due to orange's tendency to quickly fade in sunlight. Whatever the reason, red, white, and blue flags appeared as early as 1596 but were most common following 1630. Prior to 1664 this flag was known as Hollandsche Vlag (Flag of Holland). Zeeland, one of the other provinces involved in the revolt against Spain complaine... Read More