Flag of Switzerland and other state symbols of the country

There are 194 states on the modern political map of the world. They have their own symbols - a coat of arms, a flag and a hymn. The history of the creation of these shrines goes deep into the past, and each has its own legend and features. The flag of Switzerland is considered one of the most unusual in the list of states that currently exist on the political map. This country is in Western Europe and occupies a rather small area - only 41 284 km square, but its state symbols are easily recognizable in the world. There are few countries where the same elements are depicted on the shrines, and one of them is Switzerland. The flag and the coat of arms of this state have a cross and are executed in two colors: white and red.

A bit of history

The Confederation of Switzerland emerged at the end of the 13th century as an alliance of three territories (Uri, Unterwalden and Schwyz), which combined with a defensive purpose. By the end of the 15th century a few more cantons joined the young state, and it defended its independence from Rome. Switzerland is one of the few European powers that does not interfere in major wars and maintains its neutrality. Here are the centers of many international associations. At present, 26 administrative units (cantons) and two enclaves belonging to Italy and Germany are part of this country. On the territory of Switzerland, four languages are recognized as state languages: Romansh, German, Italian and French.

Flag of Switzerland

A square cloth of red color with a white cross in the center is a symbol of this country from the 14th century. The first victory under this flag was won by the Swiss Union during the battle of Lupine. After this significant event, the country's situation became more solid. The colors of state symbols are the embodiment of independence, and the cross serves as a reminder of the sacredness of the freedom of their homeland. The officially accepted configuration of the canvas is different: the state flag has the form of a square, and the trade flag has a rectangle. The flag of Switzerland, or rather its shape and elements have changed during their existence, but the colors remained constant.

• In the 15th and 16th centuries, the flag cloth was triangular in shape.
• In the 19th century, the white cross consisted of five identical squares.
• From the end of the 19th century, the length of the rays of the cross became 1/6 larger than their width.
• The modern flag of Switzerland, the photo of which is presented below, was officially approved in the 19th century.

The coat of arms of Switzerland

The image of the cross on the state symbols of Switzerland embodies the liberation of its land in the same way as the distinctive signs of the Crusaders. The arms of this country is a shield of red color, which depicts a white cross. Its official approval was held in December 1889. Currently, each administrative-territorial unit of Switzerland has its own coat of arms, in addition to the general. The appearance of the cross on the symbols of this country has several versions:

• This element is a symbol of the martyr Saint Mauritius, who was executed for refusing to participate in the massacres of his co-religionists. Later he was ranked among the saints, and the place where he died is one of the sacred in Switzerland.
• There is a version that this emblem is borrowed from the banner of the canton of Bern, which dominates the country in the period of the formation of the young state.
• Another version says that the cross was a symbol of the canton Schwyz, who joined the confederation as one of the first in the late 19th century.

Hymn of Switzerland

The hymn of this country was written at the end of the 19th century, but was officially adopted only after almost a century and a half. It is based on the poem of the famous poet and journalist Widmer, put on the music of the church psalm of Alberich Zwissing. This work was first performed by the author himself to the inhabitants of the city of Zug in 1841. For a long time the anthem was not recognized as state, but was performed at all patriotic events of the country. After holding a large number of votes and referendums, it was formally approved in 1981. By now the Swiss Psalm has been translated into all languages that operate on the territory of the country.

Interesting Facts

• The flag of Switzerland has no less famous "descendant" - it is a symbol of the ICRC. Henri Dunant, who is the creator of one of the first societies for helping the wounded in the late 19th century, decided to choose the flag of his country as a symbol of his humanitarian organization, only changed the arrangement of flowers.
• In the UN member countries, only two countries have a non-rectangular flag shape, these are Switzerland (square) and Nepal (a combination of two pennants). During one of the meetings of this organization, when the rectangular canvas of the country was exhibited (it is used exclusively for trading purposes), Berne protested and obtained a flag change.
• Images of the flag and the coat of arms deeply permeated the whole everyday life of the Swiss - they are available on car numbers and local francs.

• Symbols of Switzerland are very often used in the design of souvenirs. The most popular products are watches, army knives, manicure sets, cheese and chocolate.