“Colors of Tradition: Exploring the History of National Flags”

By Suvro Sanyal

National Flag :

The colours and designs of National Flags usually are not arbitrarily selected, rather after sedately ruminating the history, culture, or religion of the respective countries, and efficacies demonstrated can be traced to a common origin, and such “Flag families” are often linked both by common traditions and by geography.

The primitive European Flags still in use are those that display the Christian Cross as obeisance used in the Crusades. The European Flags those bear the Crosses are of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Greece, and Switzerland.

The Universally acclaimed Europe’s striped Flags was the Red-White-Blue Flag of the Netherlands which was used in that country’s long war for independence from Spain. The Flag and its colours became associated with the concepts of liberty and a republican form of government. That association was greatly reinforced by France’s adoption of the same colours, but with vertical instead of horizontal stripes, following the French Revolution of 1789. Other countries in Europe along with the South and Central America selected tricolours of their own to express their adherence to the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity as embodied in the French Flag.

In the Western Hemisphere, Canada uses a maple leaf as a distinctive emblem of the country. The former political union of five of the countries of Central America is commemorated by their retention of the old Blue-White-Blue Central American Flag, which has been modified by each country. The common historical heritage of Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador is shown by the almost identical Yellow-Blue-Red tricolour Flags they use. Some other South American countries were influenced in their choice of Flags by those of the United States or France.

The Flag of the Soviet Union was Red with a yellow hammer and sickle, the traditional symbol of the revolutionary communists. China also adopted a Red Flag based on their country’s communist association.

In the Middle East the predominance of Islam has generally limited the choice of Flag colours to the four traditional Muslim colours of Red, White, Green, and Black. The Flags of most Arab states use one or more of those colours in a tricolour format, although the star and crescent motif is present in the Flags of Turkey, Algeria, and Tunisia. Other primarily Muslim countries, such as Pakistan and Malaysia, also use the star and crescent as a sign of their Islamic faith.

Sub-Saharan African countries had created Flags in the late 1950s and ’60s envisaging two major categories:

• Member states of the British Commonwealth having horizontal tricolours and often include Green, Blue, Black, and White.
• Countries formerly under French colonial control having vertical tricolours and are generally Green-Yellow-Red.

Asian’s presents a remarkable diversity that is largely due to the development of distinctive National symbols before the era of European colonisation. The one general pattern distinctive is the use of a religious or political symbol against a background of a solid colour. There are Flags featuring the Sun (Japan, Nepal, Taiwan), a wheel (India), the yin-yang symbol (South Korea, Mongolia), a dragon (Bhutan), and a sword (Sri Lanka). 

Australia and New Zealand use modified versions of a type of British Flag, the blue ensign.

First, the oldest Flag in the World –

Denmark’s National Flag – The ‘Dannebrog’ or ‘Danish cloth’ is the world’s oldest and longest-running Flag.

As per Mythology: In the early 13th century, the Danish king Valdemar Sejr (Valdemar the Victorious) led his army on a crusade in present-day Estonia. During the” Battle of Lyndanisse” on June 15, 1219, the Danes were on the defensive when suddenly a red banner with a white cross fell from the sky. As a result, the luck changed, the Danish army won, and thus Denmark got its Flag.

As per Vexillologist’s: the Flag was carried by the Danish king Valdemar Sejr Atterdag, probably taking inspiration from the Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria who used a similar Flag.

In 1625, the current design of a white Scandinavian cross on a red background was established, and the square shape was adopted in 1748.

The official red colour on the Dannebrog is Pantone 186C/032C, which corresponds accurately to the digital colours.

Other – Oldest Flags of the World:

Austria: The Triband

Austria’s Flag, with its distinctive red-white-red horizontal tribands, is one of the oldest National Flags. The design is derived from the coat of arms of the Babenberg dynasty, which ruled Austria in the 12th century. The Flag was officially documented in 1230 and has since become a symbol of Austria’s National heritage. The red-white-red pattern is said to have been chosen by Duke Leopold V after a battle during the Crusades, and it has been associated with the country ever since, representing its sovereignty and enduring legacy.

Latvia: The blood-striped Flag

Latvia’s crimson and white Flag is steeped in legend and history. It is said to have originated from a wounded Latvian tribal chief’s white sheet, which was stained with blood except where his body lay. First mentioned in the 13th century precisely in 1279, this Flag symbolizes the resilience and spirit of the Latvian people. The colours represent the blood shed for independence and the hope for peace, encapsulating the nation’s struggles and triumphs throughout its history.

Switzerland: The Swiss Cross

The Swiss Flag, with its white cross on a red square background, is an emblem of neutrality and peace. The Flag’s design was inspired by the Battle of Laupen in 1339 and has been associated with the Swiss Confederation since the 14th century. The white cross represents freedom and Christian faith, while the red background stands for bravery and strength. The Swiss Flag is unique among National Flags for its square shape and is recognized worldwide as a symbol of the country’s humanitarian values.

Sweden: The Nordic cross

Sweden’s Flag features a yellow or gold Nordic cross on a blue field. The design was established in 1422, and symbolizes Sweden’s Christian heritage and its historical ties to other Scandinavian countries. The blue and yellow colours are said to be inspired by the National coat of arms, and the Flag has become a symbol of Swedish National pride, unity, and the natural beauty of the country’s landscapes.

Albania: The double-headed eagle

Albania’s Flag features a black double-headed eagle on a red field. This symbol dates back to the Kastrioti dynasty of the 15th century in 1443, and represents the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Albania. The double-headed eagle is a heraldic symbol of the Byzantine Empire, which influenced Albanian culture and history. The Flag symbolizes the nation’s resilience, independence, and the rich tapestry of its historical influences.

Scotland: The Saltire

The Saltire, also known as St. Andrew’s Cross, is the National Flag of Scotland. It features a white diagonal cross on a blue field, representing the crucifixion of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. The Flag’s origins are believed to date back to the 9th century, but was formally adopted in the late 14th century with the use of a white saltire in the canton of a blue flag reputedly made by Queen Margaret, wife of James III (1451–1488). The Saltire is one of the most recognisable symbols of Scotland and is deeply embedded in the country’s history and culture, often associated with the nation’s struggle for independence and its distinct identity within the United Kingdom.

England: The St. George’s cross

The Flag of England, widely known as the Union Jack is in use dating back to the Crusades, and it has been a symbol of English identity for centuries. The St. George’s Cross is a simple yet powerful emblem that has been carried into battle, flown over government buildings, and embraced by the public during National celebrations, embodying the enduring spirit and heritage of England. Since, the proclamation by Orders in Council 1606, the flags of Scotland and England were first merged to symbolise the Union of the Crowns. (The Union of the Crowns having occurred in 1603). featuring a red cross on a white background, is associated with Saint George, the country’s patron saint.

The Netherlands: The Dutch tricolour

The Dutch tricolour has horizontal bands of red, white, and blue. It was first used in 1572 during the Dutch Revolt and became the official Flag in 1937. The Flag’s colours were inspired by Prince William of Orange, the leader of the Dutch resistance against Spain. The red, white, and blue tricolour has since become a symbol of the Netherlands’ struggle for independence, its maritime tradition, and its role as a pioneering nation in trade and exploration.

Japan: The Land of the Rising Sun

Sun Japan’s Flag, known as the Nisshōki or Hinomaru, features a red circle symbolizing the sun on a white field. The sun motif has been important in Japanese culture for centuries, and the Flag’s design was formally adopted in the 19th century. It is a testament to Japan’s enduring reverence for nature and tradition, representing the country’s identity as the Land of the Rising Sun and its influence on the world stage through its unique culture and technological advancements.

Written by Suvro Sanyal

Mavericknews30 has launched a series of article starting with History of Flags and featuring ” Know Your National Flag”, in anticipation of Independence Day on August 15th, Stay tuned for the next article!

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