The Remarkable Similarity Between American And Malaysian Flags — It May Be More Than Just A Coincidence

The flag of the United States is one of the most recognizable standards in the world. The Stars and Stripes was adopted as the official flag for the United States of America by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. In 1818 the U.S. Congress adopted a flag, which had 20 stars and 13 stripes, more stars were added as the states joined the union.

History has been associated with the U.S. flag since it came into being. On July 20, 1969, it was placed on the moon by Neil Armstrong, the first man to step foot on Earth's only natural satellite. Some years before that iconic event, in 1963, the flag made it to the top of Mt. Everest. It was supplanted there by Barry Bishop. The star-spangled banner was raised over the Pacific Island of Iwo Jima in 1945 in the last throes of the Second World War.

The Flag of The United States: The U.S. flag has 13 horizontal stripes and 50 stars. The stars represent the U.S. states while the 13 stripes allude to the colonies that declared independence from the United Kingdom leading up to the American Revolutionary War. The U.S. flag is often linked to Betsy Ross, an upholsterer, who is said to have created the very first official flag of the country.

Flag Of The United States Of America — Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. Flag's three colors represent different values: Red signifies valor and hardiness, white purity and innocence, while blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice, according to the Betsy Ross and American Flag website, maintained by the Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

The Malaysian National Flag: The Malaysian flag, called the Jalur Gemilang, also bears white and red stripes though they number 14. The stripes mark 13 Malaysian states and one federal territory. Instead of the fifty stars though the Malaysian flag bears a yellow crescent and a star, which are the royal colors of the Malaysian rulers, according to a Malaysian government website.

The Malaysian Nation Flag — Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Why Are The U.S. and Malaysian Flags So Similar?

Before resolving the question of the similarity of the U.S. flag and the one that flies over Malaysia, it is important to consider that both these countries had historical connections with the British.

The flag of the British East India Company was a red and white striped ensign — the number of stripes varied between nine and thirteen, while the flag of England was present in the canton.

Flag Of The British East India Company With The English Ensign In The Canonton — Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Flag Of The British East India Company As It Evolved Over Time — Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

The Grand Union Flag that flew over the U.S. in 1776 and was used by the Second Continental Congress and by George Washington is said to be heavily inspired by the East India Company flag. By this time the flag of England had been replaced by the Union Jack in the canton. As time progressed the Union Flag in the canton was ultimately discarded and in its place, the more familiar stars came into being.

The Grand Union Flag Of The United States — Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

On the other side of the world, a chunk of current Malaysian territory and present-day Singapore came under British control, and for a while under the control of the East India Company as well. The complete British control of the Singapore island, for example, only came to pass in 1824. However, the Union Flag was first raised in Kedah, Malaysia On May 1, 1786, in the backdrop of the Siamese invasion of the territory. At the time the British had a lease over Penang Island, which they had obtained from the Sultan of Kedah on behalf of the East India Company in exchange for British military support against Siamese enemies of the ruler.

Interestingly, the historical flags that flew over various parts of Malaysia, including various British crown colonies also had a Union Flag in the canton, whether these be the erstwhile flags of Sarawak, Borneo, Malacca, or Singapore.

The Majapahit Connection

However, there is also speculation that the East India Company flag itself was inspired by the flag of the Majapahit Empire which included territories included in the present day Malaysia and Indonesia. The royal colors of Majapahit are today flown by the Indonesian Navy. They comprise a red and white striped banner, which bears a striking resemblance to both the U.S. and Malaysian flags.

Flag Of The Majapahit Empire — Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

If indeed the speculation has some basis in truth, then it would mean that both these countries got their flag from a Southeast Asian Kingdom that lasted between 671 AD to 1347 AD. Now wouldn't that be a curious coincidence? 

The American and Malaysian flags are more than just visual symbols; they share a historical connection rooted in their ties to the British Empire and the intriguing possibility of common inspiration from the Majapahit Empire. These flags tell stories of the past and reflect the values and heritage of their respective nations, uniting them in unexpected ways.

Photo Courtesy: esfera On Shutterstock.com

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