Majida is from Iraq. Before settling in Wagga Wagga in 2023, she lived in Turkey with her family.
Sakvan is 15-years-old, and he is from Iraq.
For my part in the artwork, I drew a Yazidi girl dressed in a traditional white gown. She wears a golden belt and a floral crown, often worn during special celebrations. In the background, there's a bowl of Biryani, a traditional Yazidi dish, representing hospitality and the importance of sharing meals with loved ones.'
The red and white stripes on the side of the flag are traditional Yazidi colours. Red means life and strength, and white means peace and purity. These colours are used in temples and clothing, and together represent good luck.
At the top of the flag I have illustrated the stone arch gate of the sacred Temple of Lalish. This ancient architecture represents the Yazidi people's long and rich history and the value my culture places on tradition, community, and passing down stories from generation to generation.
On the right side of the gate is a snake, guarding the entrance. In Yazidi culture snakes represent protection and wisdom. Snakes are held sacred and respected by the Yazidi people, as it is believed a snake once helped save the world.
The peacock feather represents Tawûsê Melek, the Peacock Angel. It is a holy symbol that brings light, wisdom, and protection.
