The flag of Moldova consists of three vertical stripes: blue on the hoist side, yellow in the middle, and red on the fly side. Blue represents the sky, freedom, and the rivers of Moldova. Yellow symbolizes the country's agricultural resources and the fields of wheat. Red signifies the blood shed for independence and the valor of the people. In the center of the yellow stripe, there is the national coat of arms, which features a golden eagle holding a cross in its beak, representing the country's historical connection with Romania and Christianity. The coat of arms also includes a shield with a traditional design, which contains an aurochs' head (a symbol of Moldova's history and identity). The flag was adopted on April 3, 1990, following Moldova's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.