| The Salvation Army Flag back to 'Flag'
The first flag was presented to Coventry Corps by Catherine Booth in September 1878. Until 1882 the central shape was a sun, but when a plan to open the Army's work in India was put into action it was found that the Parsees, an Indian religious sect regarded the sun as sacred and so it was changed to a star. The flag itself is not sacred, but is a symbol of what Salvationists believe.
- the blue border represents the HOLINESS of God
- the yellow star represents the FIRE of the Holy Spirit
- the red represents the BLOOD of Jesus Christ
The motto ‘Blood and Fire’, written on the star, stands for the blood of Jesus and the fire of the Holy Spirit. The flag is carried at the head of marches of witness and is given a prominent place in Salvation Army halls. It is also held aloft at special ceremonies such as the dedication of babies.
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