The flag is based on the blue, white, and blue horizontally divided flag of Federal Republic of Central America, and was vertically designed blue, white, and blue. Blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and white, hope for peace and purity. In the center is the national emblem - quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala which is said to symbolize freedom. Although originally selected in 1871, the colors of the design were officialized in 1997.