Red flag with a red cross and other scarlet cloth: history and meaning

Despite the fact that almost every flag is unique, many of them share similar features. For example, the use of scarlet stripes, crosses or scarlet background. In which countries can you find such symbolism?

Georgia

First of all, you can mention this flag. The red cross of large sizes is located throughout the panel, and at the corners it is complemented by small ones. Background is executed in white color. For a long time it is considered that the cross is the best and most significant Christian symbol. The use of one large and four smaller signifies Jesus and his evangelists. Flowers also have their meaning - white symbolizes wisdom and integrity, and red - courage, love and justice. The flag has other interpretations. For example, the cross in the center may belong to St. George, as in the symbols of the English. Since the fifth century it has been associated with the Georgian kingdom. The cloth of the modern species began to be used in the thirteenth century, although sometimes the country used a tricolor with a red, black and white stripes. The now applied flag has been officially approved since 2004, after the velvet revolution against the Shevardnadze regime.

Denmark

As the state symbols in this country a red flag is used. White cross, going from edge to edge, resembles a pattern of other Scandinavian countries with the same image of other colors. The horizontal part of it goes exactly in the middle, and the vertical part is located closer to the left edge. The cross is a symbol of Christianity and was first used in Europe by the Danes. The scarlet color of the background is associated with the courage and courage that the inhabitants needed to protect the country from numerous attacks. Some historians believe that the oldest in the world can be called the Danish flag. The cross on a red background has been used since the thirteenth century, when the Battle of Lindanis took place. The Danes fought with the Estonians, who were stronger, and at the most difficult moment of the struggle from heaven came down the cloth. In this connection, he was called Dannebrog, "sent by God." In another, more prosaic version, the flag was borrowed from the Danes by the Crusaders. Anyway, the character became very popular and is always used on all holidays, including the birthday of the cloth.

Switzerland

In some countries the main color of the cloth is red, the flag with the red cross is also not uncommon, as in the case with other shades. What makes the Swiss standard special? Square shape. All over the world, only two countries use this symbolism, Switzerland and the Vatican. In the first case, the form is connected with the military past. On the red cloth of the square form there is a white cross, the ends of which do not reach the edges. According to the resolution created in 1889, it is determined that the length of the image exceeds the width by one-sixth. According to some opinions, the flag originated from the coat of arms used in the canton of Schwyz. It is interesting that the shape of the cloth changed over the centuries - in medieval times it was triangular. In addition, the symbolism of the international organization of medical care is repeated exactly by the Swiss red flag. The country is connected with the "Red Cross" by the same form, but different shades. The state uses a scarlet background, and the organization is white.

Tonga

This African country uses a red flag with a red cross, approved in November 1875. According to the constitution adopted in the same year, the cloth should not be changed. The standard has traditional proportions with a length that refers to the width as two to one. They can use both official and civilians, as well as ships and ships. The cloth is painted in red, and on top of the shaft is a white rectangle with a scarlet cross. The same image is used on the country's coat of arms. The red flag with a red cross does not apply only to the Navy - there is the symbolism of St. George there. The modern cloth of Tonga was adopted in 1864. Despite being under British influence, the residents used national symbols, retaining its look and to this day.

Norway

In this Scandinavian country in the course of a red flag with a blue cross framed by white. Every Norwegian loves his symbol and appreciates its history. The country gained independence relatively recently, before it was part of Denmark, and then subordinated to Sweden. All this time the national symbol did not exist. Sovereignty was acquired only in 1905. According to legend, the flag was invented long before this moment. It is believed that after the transition of Norway to Sweden appeared a panel with a white cross and a blue frame. The idea did not take root, but it did not disappear. Slightly changing it, the Norwegians used for their symbol just such colors, having received a red flag with a blue cross. The former, unofficial standard, was extremely pompous. It was square and divided diagonally into two parts, with elements in Norwegian colors and in Swedish. It turned out too bright and tasteless, why the Norwegians did not like this symbol too much. With modern business, things are different.

United Kingdom

This country uses several red crosses in its symbolism. The thing is that the British flag is a combination of several representing every territory of the country, and in all of them there are hints of a Christian image in different versions. The modern look was developed in 1801. A wide cross in the center is St. George, the symbol of England. Squint and white - Andreevsky, he represents Scotland. Red diagonal - Patrick, he belongs to the Irish. The blue background is borrowed from the Scots, who used blue cloths.