Editing Rainbow flag (section)

===Cooperative movement (1921)===
{{see also|International Cooperative Alliance#The flag}}
[[File:ICA flag.svg|thumb|150px|Until 2001, the [[International Cooperative Alliance]] used a rainbow flag.]]

A seven-colour rainbow flag is a common symbol of the international [[cooperative]] movement. The rainbow flag has been the cooperative emblem since 1921 when the International Co-operative Congress of World Co-op Leaders met in [[Basel|Basel, Switzerland]] to identify and define the growing cooperative movement's common values and ideals to help unite co-ops around the world.

In [[Essen|Essen, Germany]] in 1922, the [[International Co-operative Alliance]] (ICA) designed an international co-op symbol and a flag for the first "Co-operators' Day," which was held in July 1923. After some experiments with different designs, a famous French cooperator, [[Charles Gide]], suggested using the seven colours of the rainbow for the flag. He pointed out that the rainbow symbolized [[unity in diversity]] and the power of light, enlightenment and progress. The first co-op rainbow flag was completed in 1924 and was adopted as an official symbol of the international cooperative movement in 1925.

In 2001, the [[International Co-operative Alliance|ICA]]'s official flag was changed from a rainbow flag to a rainbow logo flag on a white field, to clearly promote and strengthen the cooperative image, but still use the rainbow image. Other organizations sometimes use the traditional rainbow flag as a symbol of cooperation.

Like the [[rainbow]], this flag is a symbol of hope and peace. The seven colours from flags around the world fly in harmony. Each of the seven colours in the co-operative flag have been assigned the following meaning:
* red: stands for courage
* orange: offers the vision of possibilities
* yellow: represents the challenge that ''green'' has kindled
* green: indicates a challenge to co-operators to strive for growth of membership and of understanding of the aims and values of co-operation
* light blue: suggests far horizons – the need to provide education and help less fortunate people and strive toward global unity
* dark blue: suggests pessimism – a reminder that less fortunate people have needs that may be met through the benefits of cooperation
* violet: is the colour of warmth, beauty, and friendship

The ICA has been flying a flag with its official logo since April 2001, when its Board decided to replace the traditional rainbow flag. Its use by a number of non-cooperative groups led to confusion in several countries around the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=Introduction to ICA|url=http://www.ica.coop/ica/index.html|website=International Co-operative Alliance|date=21 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015205234/http://www.ica.coop/ica/index.html|archive-date=October 15, 2008}}</ref>