The national flag of Belgium contains three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red. The colours were taken from the colours of the Duchy of Brabant; the colors are those of the arms of the duchy of Brabant (a 'yellow' lion with 'red' claws and tongue on a 'black' field). The national flag has the unusual proportions of 13:15, but is rarely seen. A flag in a 2:3 or similar ratio is used in most cases, even by most government bodies. The unusual proportions of 13:15 are of unknown origin.