A flag in headwind and tailwind

On 21 June 1985, we raised our own flag, Erfalasorput, for the very first time on National Day. A flag that represented our people, our nature, and our first step towards greater independence.

Ahead of that day, a nationwide design competition was held, with more than 500 submissions. Artist Thue Christiansen’s design won — the flag we know today. But before it could be raised, it faced strong opinions and resistance. One reason was that the flag did not feature a traditional cross like the other Nordic flags.

For Thue Christiansen, however, it felt more natural to look for inspiration close to home — in nature. His first thoughts about the flag emerged back in the 1970s, a defining time in Greenland, and also in Europe with the formation of the EU. Many young Greenlanders were studying at educational institutions in Copenhagen and could follow world events at close range. Thue Christiansen was also active in political circles, where the idea of an independent flag took shape. Even then, you can find his earliest sketches of the flag we recognise today.

Red like the sun. White like the ice

Thue Christiansen was deeply inspired by nature in his artistic work. So it is no coincidence that Erfalasorput draws on the nature that surrounds us.

The round circle is inspired by the sun and its eternal cycle — rising, moving across the sky, and setting again. It symbolises the returning light: disappearing, coming back, and always returning. The red part of the circle also reflects the sea and our deep fjords, coloured red by the sun. The white part of the flag is inspired by the Greenland Ice Sheet, which covers the land and shapes our everyday lives.

As a greeting to Denmark and our shared historical roots, the red and white colours use the same colour codes as the Dannebrog.

Erfalasorput brings us together

Today, the flag is a powerful symbol of love for our country and our strong community. We gather around it on National Days, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other joyful occasions. But it is also a flag that can give identity, strength and confidence — when we come together for sporting events or national commemorations. We have felt this especially in recent times, when we have faced dark forces — as people and as a nation.

That is why we are launching our Kalaallit Nunaat beanie — a tribute to our flag, our nature and our community. Like Erfalasorput, the beanie is designed in Greenland, for Greenlanders — to be worn in our beautiful nature, in everyday life, and at national events. And we cannot wait to see the beanies brighten the streets and the landscape.