HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL FLAG

History of the National Flag of Woodlandia

The National Flag of the Principality of Woodlandia was proclaimed on September 23, 2019 by HRH Prince Shawn. Retrace the events that lead to the creation of the National Flag of Woodlandia and see how it evolved to what it is known as today – red, white, blue, green vertically slanted stripes.

1. Early Flag

Weeks after Woodlandia's founding, many flag designs were carefully looked over and considered for the National Flag by HRH Prince Shawn. With government delays in choosing an official flag for the Principality, Woodlandia had not yet adopted an official flag.

On March 24, 2019, HRH Prince Shawn had received a letter sent by His Imperial Majesty John I, King of Baustralia. In the letter was a proposal for the use and adoption of a national flag in which he (John I) had personally designed as a gift to the Prince, for the creation of the Principality of Woodlandia. The flag is a simple design, closely resembling the flag of Canada. A white background with a red Oak leaf in the center. The remainder of the flag displaying a thick red bar on each side.

While thankful to King John I for the gift, Prince Shawn did not accept the offer to officially adopt the flag for the Principality, but instead agreed to use the flag as the nations de facto flag, until an official flag was chosen. The Prince unofficially naming the flag "The Lonely Oak". On March 25, 2019, the flag was introduced and adopted by government, as the nations de facto symbol.

On September 23, 2019 an official flag for the Principality of Woodlandia was chosen and adopted, leaving "The Lonely Oak" a popular de facto symbol of Woodlandia.

Known as "The Lonely Oak"

Woodlandia National de facto Flag

2. Official Flag

The current official flag is a simple design consisting of four solid coloured diagonal stripes, red, white, blue and green.

After nearly six months of consideration, an official flag design was finally chosen for the nation. The Prince had originally hand drawn ten potential flag designs for Woodlandia in roughly ten minutes, using pencil crayons.

Designed and gifted by HRH Prince Shawn of Woodlandia, the National Flag of the Principality of Woodlandia was proclaimed Woodlandia's first official National Flag on September 23, 2019 by the prince himself.

The original sketch drawing of ten potential flag designs for the official flag of Woodlandia by HRH Prince Shawn.

Nickname

HRH the Prince unofficially nicknamed the flag "The Great Divider" to reflect the symbology of what having an official National Flag of the Principality of Woodlandia represents, and the notion that a nation is not officially separate from its original host country without a National Flag. Once a National Flag is established, it can cause divide. Therefore the nickname "The Great Divider" represents the creation of the Principality of Woodlandia as a separate nation, when it was divided from Canada because of the literal flag in which it is named for. The nickname "The Great Divider" may also represent the flags four distinctly dividing solid coloured stripes.

Known as "The Great Divider"

Woodlandia National Flag

One Year Anniversary

On September 23, 2020, the one year anniversary of the National Flag and its corresponding holiday, (National Flag of Woodlandia Day) the Prime Minister of Woodlandia, Sir Robert Ronyson presented HRH Prince Shawn with an original, one of a kind, hand crafted desk flag with stand. This is the first time that a Woodlandia flag has been created or reproduced. The flag has since been donated to the Royal Woodlandia Historical Society for historic preservation.

An original, one of a kind, hand crafted desk flag with stand given to HRH Prince Shawn by PM Ronyson.

On the third anniversary of the National Flag Day of Woodlandia, September 23, 2021, the Woodlandia government began offering souvenir flags for sale in the online gift shop.

Due to the 2022 Russian war on Ukraine, all Woodlandia trade to and from Russia was suspended indefinitely on February 25, 2022. The sale of Official Principality Of Woodlandia Flags were put on hold, as the product manufacturer is based in Russia, and although the Principality Of Woodlandia does not get involved in war of any kind, had chosen not to support Russia at the time!

A couple of Official Woodlandia souvenir flags for sale in the online gift shop.

3. Declaration of Woodlandia National Flag Day

The National Flag of the Principality of Woodlandia was proclaimed on September 23, 2019 by HRH Prince Shawn. On this same day, the Prince declared September 23 to be an annual national holiday throughout the Principality of Woodlandia. Since then, Woodlandia citizens have been proud to celebrate National Flag Day of Woodlandia every year on September 23.

Tradition

Citizens love to celebrate Woodlandia's National Flag Day as well as support Woodlandia by proudly displaying its flags and purchasing or creating Woodlandia branded items. The government of the Principality of Woodlandia also offers official Woodlandia merchandise for sale at the government online shop.

A keychain displaying the Woodlandia National Flag

4. National Flag Use

Lapel Pins

In 2021, the government of Woodlandia commissioned a company to design and create exclusive Principality of Woodlandia Flag Lapel Pins.

Lapel pins depicting the Woodlandia national flag are gifted to senior members of the Woodlandia government, including, but not limited to the Prime Minister, and his/her Ministers.

As part of a symbol of government power and leadership, the lapel pins are required to be worn while carrying out official Principality of Woodlandia government duties. The pins are not available to non members of the Woodlandia government.