The Coat of arms of Ethiopia contains a yellow five pointed star radiating rays of light. It appears on the center of the Flag of Ethiopia. A modern coat of arms is derived from the medi val practice of painting designs onto the shield and outer clothing of knights to enable them to be identified in battle, and later in tournaments. ... Flag ratio: 1:2 The old flag, which was used from 1975 to 1987 and 1991 to 1996, and is still seen occasionally today. ...