taiheitarimerkki

The taiheitarimerkki, often translated as "Great Peace Flag" or "Flag of Great Peace," is a historical Finnish flag. It was primarily used by the Finnish Red Guard during the Finnish Civil War in 1918. The flag was characterized by its red color and often bore slogans and symbols associated with the socialist revolution.

The design varied, but a common feature was the presence of text, such as "Taistelun voittoon" (To victory in battle) or "Kaikki työläiset yhdistykää" (All workers unite). It also frequently incorporated revolutionary symbols like hammers and sickles, though these were not always present. The taiheitarimerkki was a powerful visual representation of the Red Guard's ideology and their struggle for a socialist Finland.

Following the defeat of the Red Guard, the taiheitarimerkki ceased to be an officially recognized or used flag. However, it remains a significant artifact in Finnish history, symbolizing a particular period of intense political and social upheaval. Today, it is primarily studied and displayed in historical contexts, serving as a reminder of the Finnish Civil War and the revolutionary aspirations of the time. Its legacy is complex, evoking strong emotions and differing interpretations depending on historical perspective.