Lebanon Flag Meaning: Cedar Tree, Red & White Explained
Lebanon’s national flag has two red horizontal bands separated by a wider white band containing a green cedar tree. Article 5 of the Constitution precisely defines this layout.
What does the cedar tree represent?
The cedar is one of Lebanon’s oldest and most recognizable national symbols, closely associated with the country’s mountains, antiquity and endurance.
What does the Constitution require?
Article 5 states that the flag is red-white-red in horizontal sections, with a green cedar in the middle of the white section.
How wide is the white section?
The Constitution specifies that the white band is equal in size to the two red bands combined, so the stripe relationship is 1:2:1.
How large is the cedar?
The Constitution states that the cedar is centred in the white field, touches the upper and lower red bands, and has a width equal to one-third of the white section.
What do red and white mean?
Popular patriotic explanations often connect red with sacrifice and white with peace or snow. These are widely repeated interpretations, but Article 5 itself defines the colors and geometry without assigning one exclusive legal meaning to them.
Why is the cedar green?
The Constitution explicitly requires a green cedar, preserving the tree as the flag’s central natural and national emblem.
How can you identify Lebanon’s flag?
Look for a broad white centre band between two narrower red bands and a single green cedar tree centred in the white field.
Quick facts
| Colors | Red, white, green |
|---|---|
| Central symbol | Cedar tree |
| Band relationship | 1:2:1 |
| Constitutional basis | Article 5 |
