Mr NordicWhether it is the flag of Denmark, Finland or Sweden, a Scandinavian flag is immediately recognizable by its characteristic colors and the distinctive cross in the flag. But where exactly does this tradition come from? In this article, we’ll dive into the story behind the Scandinavian flags.
The first national flag with such a cross pattern was the flag of Denmark, followed by the Swedish flag, the Norwegian flag, the Finnish flag, and the Icelandic flag. This cross is a symbol of Christianity, which was the leading belief in the Nordics at the time these flags were designed.
The Norwegian flag
The Norwegian flag is a white-blue Scandinavian cross on a red flag. The colors used in the flag are blue, red, white. The flag of Norway was adopted in 1821. The first use of the current flag design was in 1821. The last change to the current Norwegian flag design was in 1899.
“The Norwegian flag is a testament to the unwavering strength and determination of a nation that has survived centuries of political changes and natural challenges.”
The flag was designed by Fredrik Meltzer, who was born in the year 1779 and passed away in the year 1866. The designer has chosen a Scandinavian cross that is comparable to the Danish and Swedish flag. The flag also has its meaning, the colors symbolize the democracy of the country. The flag that Norway is known for has not always been the Norwegian flag before this there was another flag known as the national Norwegian flag. This old flag is still used as the royal standard, but no longer as the national flag.
The Danish flag
Believed to be the oldest flag still in use, the Dannebrog, or the flag of Denmark, features a red field with a white Nordic cross. According to popular legend, the flag supposedly fell from the sky during the Battle of Lindanise in 1219, giving Danish forces victory over the Estonians. While this story has not been historically verified, the flag was officially adopted on June 15, 1661. The red coloring symbolizes courage, while the white cross represents faith and purity.
“As the oldest flag still in use, the Danish flag carries with it centuries of pride, faith, and resilience, reflecting the spirit of the Danish people.”
The Swedish flag
The Swedish flag, known as ‘Sveriges flagga’, consists of a blue field with a yellow Nordic cross. The exact origins of the flag are not well-documented, but the design is believed to date back to the 16th century, with the blue and yellow colors inspired by the Swedish coat of arms. The blue signifies loyalty and truth, while the yellow represents generosity. Swedish law mandates the exact color shades for use in the flag, ensuring consistency.
“The yellow and blue of the Swedish flag mirror the beauty of the country’s landscape and the bond that unites all Swedes, past and present.”
Rules for the use of Nordic flags
As in many other countries, the use of the national flag is subject to different rules. For example, the flag may never touch the ground, because that is not respectful to the nation and the flag as a symbol thus loses its value. The flag may only be raised between sunrise and sunset. This therefore differs per season. If the flag is defective, it must be destroyed by incineration or disassembling by color.
While each Nordic country’s flag has its unique colors and story, they all share a common design element – the Nordic cross. This unifying symbol encapsulates the shared heritage of the region and emphasizes the common cultural, historical, and religious bond between these distinct nations.
Last Updated on March 31, 2023
