Why are there 13 stripes rather than 15?

The flag of the United States has 13 stripes to represent the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. These colonies are Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The design includes seven red stripes and six white stripes, alternating to symbolize the unity and sacrifice of these colonies. The 15-stripe option was considered but ultimately not adopted, as the focus was on honoring the original colonies.