Flags of Identity, Resistance, and Revival
Oceania’s flags carry layered meanings — blending indigenous worldviews, Christian missionary influences, and European colonial structures. Across this region of over 1,000 islands and dozens of sovereign and semi-sovereign entities, vexillology reveals how small nations assert cultural survival and autonomy through symbolism.
Fiji
• Union Jack: Shows British colonial heritage (Fiji was a colony until 1970).
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• Light blue field: Represents the Pacific Ocean.
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• Coat of arms: Includes a British lion holding a cocoa pod, a Fijian canoe, and native produce like sugarcane and bananas — a mix of indigenous agriculture and colonial heraldry.
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• There have been movements to change the flag and remove colonial symbols, but none have succeeded yet.
Papua New Guinea
• Split triangle: Red and black are traditional clan war colors.
• Bird of Paradise: A national icon and traditional symbol of spiritual freedom and pride.
• Southern Cross: Shared with Australia and New Zealand — reflects geographical and cultural alignment with the South Pacific.
• Unlike many in the region, Papua New Guinea’s flag was designed by a 15-year-old schoolgirl in 1971 — a rare grassroots creation.
Indigenous & Cultural Flags
Torres Strait Islander Flag:
Green: Land
Blue: Sea
Black: Race of Natives​
The dhari (headdress) and five-pointed star represent peace, navigation, and the island groups.
Marshall Islands
• Adopted after independence from the U.S. in 1979.
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• Orange and white rays: Represent two main island chains (Ratak and Ralik).
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• Star with 24 points: 24 electoral districts; 4 elongated points represent the major cultural centers.
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• A Christian cross is subtly built into the star, reflecting Christian missionary influence.
