Flag of Sweden: the history of the Swedish statehood in modern symbolism

The Swedish flag is one of the oldest state symbols. How was it chosen, and what are its colors? What other symbols are used by Swedes?

Official symbols

Every country has its own national signs. Sweden is not an exception to this rule. The flag and the coat of arms of this state have a fairly extensive history. For example, a blue cloth with a yellow cross has been used for about five centuries. In 1569, a royal decree was issued, which established this flag. All combat banners and standards have since become yellow-blue. But only colors remained unchanged, the length-width ratio, as well as the exact form of the Scandinavian cross, were defined and approved in 1982. Since that moment, the flag of Sweden has its own day in the year.

The coat of arms of the country has an even more ancient origin. Three golden crowns on the azure field are used by the kingdom since 1336. They were established by Mangus Eriksson. At that time in its possession was three states: Sweden, Scandinavia and Norway. This is called to designate the crown. The modern coat of arms has two options: large and small. On a large azure field is divided by the Order Cross. Above the left bands there is a silver lion in the crown, in the center there is a sheaf and a dissected shield, and in the left corner there is a golden bridge, towers, a golden eagle and two Peruns. The small emblem called "trekkunur" depicts three crowns, two on top and one from below. The largest is surrounded by a chain of the Seraphim Order and crowns the shield, thereby symbolizing the authority of the king.

Flag Colors

The blue and yellow colors of the Swedes are directly associated with their native country. The adjective "blue-yellow" they describe in everyday life something typically Swedish, linking themselves and their people with these shades. In addition, the state emblem, which celebrates public and administrative buildings, is also made in such a color solution. But what was the reason for choosing blue and yellow originally? On this subject, the Swedes have an old legend. It is believed that King Eric prayed before the battle of the Crusaders with the Gentile Finns, and during the prayer he imagined a golden cross in which the rays of light formed in the blue sky. Swedish warriors won the battle, and colors became heraldic.

Flag Options

There is not only the official flag of Sweden, but also its naval version. The first looks like a blue-yellow rectangular panel, and the second is made in the same colors, but has a jagged edge with three ends. The Scandinavian cross, which they both include, is also used on the cloths of other northern countries - in Icelandic, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish.

The flag of Sweden, photographs and images of which are used in the country constantly, differs from the flags of the listed states only in color. In addition to the official and naval, there is also a royal option. It also depicts a yellow Scandinavian cross on blue, but in the center an image of the coat of arms is added. In the days of public holidays, coronations and other major events, this flag of Sweden can be seen on the boats of the monarchs.

Day of the National Flag

In order to celebrate the holiday of the Swedish flag on June 6, a legal holiday is always announced in the country. Next to houses, on public buildings and squares, blue and yellow cloths always appear, especially patriotic citizens use the symbols of Sweden even more actively: they decorate their cars and entrance doors, baby carriages and bags with shades of the national flag. On this day, residents of the country gather in the family circle, go on walks or picnics, in every possible way relax. Often on June 6, planning wedding celebrations or graduation balls in gymnasiums. Practical Swedes are happy to combine the state holiday with a personal holiday, because positive emotions do not decrease at all. Even Swedish citizens are very fond of all sorts of recreational activities, therefore on Flag Day it is often possible to see sports competitions for all comers who are held in city parks. Their goal is to attract as many participants as possible and thereby increase the health of the inhabitants of the country. Those who only become a citizen of Sweden, on this day solemnly congratulate in urban municipalities. In the capital, the holiday is associated with the opening day of the Royal Palace, and in the vicinity of Skansen, an open-air concert is usually held.

history of the holiday

The day for holding celebrations in honor of the flag was not chosen by chance. It was on June 6th in 1523 that Gustav Eriksson ascended the Swedish throne. Immediately before that, he defeated the Danes, led by their King Christian II and drove them out of Stockholm. These events were the beginning not only of the Vaz dynasty, but also of the Swedish statehood as such. So on June 6, not only the flag of Sweden is honored, but also the country's independence from other states. It is interesting that on the same day, but already in 1809, a constitution was adopted that limited the power of the monarchs and divided government bodies into several parts, including a parliament called the Riksdag and a Supreme Court appointed by the king.