Argo Ideon: Giant Estonian flag on Tallinn's Pirita Road doesn't fit our spirit

Opinion writer Argo Ideon argues that plans to hoist a ten-metre Estonian flag on a tall mast on Tallinn's Pirita Road are alien to our culture. Such flag displays are more suited to the aesthetics of Eastern and Southern countries. The standard Estonian flag measures 105 × 165 centimetres, and that is usually sufficient.

Tallinn's Pirita Road is planned to fly a ten-metre Estonian flag on a tall mast — an idea that strikes Estonians as, at least at first glance, foreign. Argo Ideon writes that such self-justification and self-display through an enormous flag is not characteristic of Estonian cultural space.

Ideon notes that giant state flags on tall masts are more a feature of Eastern and Southern countries' visual culture — a style frequently seen in more authoritarian nations or those expressing national pride more ostentatiously. Estonia has so far maintained a much more restrained line.

The standard dimensions of the Estonian state flag are 105 × 165 centimetres. Ideon emphasises that these dimensions have proven themselves entirely over decades and fulfil their purpose — to demonstrate belonging and respect — without needing to brandish the flag. A larger flag does not automatically mean greater patriotism.