The Story Behind Hong Kong’s Umbrella Logo (And Its Symbolism for Democracy)

Hong Kong’s umbrella logo has become an iconic symbol of the pro-democracy movement in the city. The logo first appeared during the Umbrella Revolution in 2014, when thousands of protesters took to the streets to demand democratic reforms.

The logo was designed by a group of artists and activists who wanted to create a visual representation of the movement. They wanted a logo that was simple, easy to recognize, and conveyed the message of the movement.

The design of the logo is simple yet powerful. It features a yellow umbrella with a black background. The yellow color represents the hope and optimism of the protesters, while the black background represents the struggle and resistance.

The umbrella logo has become a rallying cry for democracy activists not just in Hong Kong but around the world. It has inspired other movements and has become a symbol of hope and resistance against oppressive regimes.

The umbrella logo has also become a target of censorship by the Chinese government. In 2019, the logo was removed from the Apple App Store in China, and various social media platforms have been pressured to remove content featuring the logo.

Despite the attempts to suppress the logo, it continues to inspire and unite those who believe in democracy and freedom. The umbrella logo will always be a symbol of the struggle for democracy in Hong Kong and around the world.

The Umbrella Movement, which began in September 2014, was a series of protests in Hong Kong that lasted for 79 days. The protests, which were sparked by the Chinese government’s decision to limit the democratic process for electing Hong Kong’s leader, were mostly peaceful and involved thousands of people, many of whom used umbrellas to shield themselves from pepper spray and tear gas used by the police.

The umbrella soon became a symbol of the protests, representing the peaceful and non-violent nature of the movement. It also became a powerful symbol of democracy, as it represented the protesters’ desire for a more democratic Hong Kong.

The umbrella symbol was further popularized by a logo created by a group of Hong Kong designers called HKU Design Society. The logo, which features a yellow umbrella with the words “We are not afraid” in Chinese characters, quickly became a powerful symbol of the Umbrella Movement and a rallying cry for democracy.

The yellow color of the umbrella is also significant. Yellow is the color of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong and is associated with the city’s flag. The color is also used in the logos of many pro-democracy groups in the city.

The umbrella logo has since become a popular symbol for democracy across the world. It has been used in protests in other countries, including Taiwan and Thailand, and has been adopted by other pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong.

The Umbrella Movement may have ended in 2014, but the umbrella logo and its symbolism for democracy continue to inspire people around the world. It has become a powerful reminder of the importance of peaceful protest and the fight for democracy.