Our symbol, its origin, history and significance
It was in 2004 that our desire to come up with the symbol of Arraaah (the flag) came about. The following years saw an evolution of forms and continual reflection brought us to the current symbol of Ara in 2010.
Tristan D.V is the artist who created the first versions, the final of which was reached in 2007. This version was then influenced by numerous individuals, and the final design in numeric format is the work of Nacho.B.
The « flag » represents various elements, all independent yet related to each other in meaning. Among the elements depicted are the 7 spiritual paths like the Native American beliefs, the 4 elements of the Planet (Fire, Water, Earth and Wind), and numerous symbols to represent Life, Love, Unity, Peace, Liberty, Hope, Humanity…etc… The flag evolves with time and new encounters. The definition of today is surely incomplete because each of us brings a new perspective and thus new ideas.
The Tree of Hope : This is a beautiful symbol of Life, it embodies the connection between Planet Earth and the Spirit of the world. Its roots nourish themselves of the energies of the Earth and its branches extend toward the sky as they grow.
Its roots are also a symbol of our origins, of our local cultures. The mentality of world citizenship (or citizens without borders) doesn’t require that we forget our origins. Au contraire ! This is a strength ! The roots of the tree are culture, local history, native language, etc… the branches of the tree represent the openness of our spirit unto the world and unto the richness of other cultures. This fosters a love of diversity.
The tree is the connection between the 6 spiritual paths (4 regions of the world, the Earth and the Spirit) that unite at this central point to proceed in synchrony to the 7th spiritual path.
The Ara Bird (Parrot) : We were researching a bird that would fit well with our movement, when two friends discovered the bird « Ara » —an amazing synchronicity of words—in turn leading us to learn that this bird is actually a perfect symbol.
There are numerious species, though the one represented on the flag is of the Ara Macao family.
This bird is native to regions of Central and South America. The variety of species is astonishing, many differing drastically in color. Depending on the species, they are often said to possess remarkably human-like characterestics.
It is highly social, friendly, affectionate, experiences a wide range of moods, enjoys amusing itself, has a relatively long life, during which various forms of communication are very important to its complex social interactions.
One other interesting detail : In no observations of their social interactions can be seen evidence of any form of hierarchy within their groups, which means no boss… one also notes the mark of respect and sageness in the relations between generations : The younger birds learn by observing and imitating the elders in order to later become models themselves.
The symbol of the bird in general is a synonym of Liberty (expressed through the act of flight itself), of Life, and of Hope. It expresses a desire to rise above borders and represent the 7th spiritual path : HAPPINESS !
The circle : A continuous line that, in a certain way, never ends. This symbolizes Life.
The interior of the circle : Mother Earth is represented by its 4 regions : South/ North/ East/ West, symbolic of the 4 spiritual paths that unite and of the 4 colors of the people of the world : those of Africa (black), of the Americas (red), of Asia and Oceania (yellow) and of Europe (white).
Symbol of the Earth element, and of the 5th spiritual path.
The circular and golden triangular line : Symbol of the Fire element.
Representation of the Sun, and protection of Planet Earth.
The circular and blue triangular line : Represents oxygen.
The white lines : Symbol of the Wind element, symbolic of Strength. This is the 6th spiritual path : The Spirit of the World. It’s the path that the bird follows, letting herself be guided by the wind and carrying all the colors and their magic with her, with the freedom of flying wherever she chooses.
The blue line : Symbol of the Water element : Representation of its importance for all living beings on the planet, their beauty and vastness.
The thought of considering oneself Citizen of the World is a good way to envision a tranformation
for world peace. This feeling facilitates an embracing of all world cultures and natural rsepect of other populations.
Ara is simply the embodiment of a dream. Because this is what Humanity needs, it’s very much made of dreams, Hope, and positive Force.
Life is beautiful!
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