The Flag of Saint Helena was adopted on October 4, 1984. It is a defaced Blue Ensign, i.e., blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Saint Helena shield centred on the outer half of the flag. The coat of arms of Saint Helena features a rocky coastline and three-masted sailing ship, with a Saint Helena Plover atop. Prior to the adoption of the current coat of arms and flag in 1984, the flag and shield showed the ship and coastal scene taken from the colonial seal of the colony.
The Flag is not used in the dependencies of Saint Helena. Tristan da Cunha, adopted its own flag in October 2002. Ascension Island currently uses the Union Flag but is in the process of adopting its own flag.
Ships registered in Saint Helena fly the Red Ensign; there is no defaced variant for the territory.
Famous quotes containing the words flag, saint and/or helena:
“Our flag is red, white and blue, but our nation is a rainbow—red, yellow, brown, black and white—and we’re all precious in God’s sight.”
—Jesse Jackson (b. 1941)
“This Light inspires, and plays upon
The nose of Saint like Bag-pipe drone,
And speaks through hollow empty Soul,
As through a Trunk, or whisp’ring hole,
Such language as no mortal Ear
But spiritual Eve-droppers can hear.”
—Samuel Butler (1612–1680)
“Her name was called Lady Helena Herring and her age was 25 and she mated well with the earl.”
—Daisy Ashford (1881–1972)