The Frisian flag, officially adopted on 9 July 1957, has a long history; it is claimed it dates from the 9th century, when Friesland had its own King. The three white stripes probably stand for the rural quarters Oostergo, Westergo and Zevenwouden and the blue stripes for the Frisian rivers. The seven ''pompeblêdden'' (lily leaves) represent the seven old Frisian lands from around the 8th till the 14th century, from the north of Holland to the north west of Germany.