China flag is the national flag of China, one of the world’s largest countries. China adopted the flag on Oct. 1, 1949. That year, Chinese Communists led by Mao Zedong won a civil war and gained control of the government.
The flag of China has a red background. The color red is a traditional symbol of Communism. The flag’s canton (upper corner, next to the staff) has one large yellow star with four smaller yellow stars curved around it. All the stars have five points. The large star represents the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party. The small stars stand for people united under the party’s leadership.
Some elements of China’s flag echo old Chinese traditions. Red has long been associated with the Han Chinese, the nation’s largest ethnic group. Also, the number five was common in early Chinese beliefs and philosophies. For example, ancient legends claimed that five rulers taught the Chinese people the arts of civilization. The Chinese philosopher Confucius spoke of five virtues: humanity, honesty, knowledge, integrity, and correct behavior. Chinese scholars studied the teachings of Confucianism from five books known as the Five Classics.
