The current flag was made official in 1825 after gaining independence in 1821. The red, white, and red horizontally divided design was derived from how San Martin, the leader of the independence movment, saw a bird with red wings and white breast and enjoyed the auspice when he arrived at the Pisco Bay. Bay laurel and a palm wreath, vicuna (camel animal), and horn with much golden money are depicted in the national emblem.