Flag of Catalonia: description, meaning and use

Catalonia is a territory with a complex political situation. It is part of Spain, but many residents are convinced of the need for independence. Not surprisingly, they have a special attitude to local symbols.

A cloth with a name

The people of Catalonia love their flag with all their heart. They hang it on houses, decorate souvenirs, make figurines in its colors. In the cities of the region you can see everywhere the flag of Catalonia - there are photos of it, perhaps, from everyone who has ever been to Barcelona. But if the local residents are not alone in this love - the Americans also like state symbols - then another feature makes the standard unique. The fact is that he has a name. Catalans and Valencians call it "Senyora", recalling the ancient powerful Kingdom of Aragon. In the local dialect the name means a flag, banner, symbol. Senyara is considered an official cloth, which can be seen even on the form of football teams. The main color is yellow or gold, complemented by four strips of red. From Aragonese modern version is distinguished by the lack of an image of the coat of arms. On the flag of Valencia, there is an additional blue strip and a golden crown at the shaft.

Origin of the flag

There is no official version of Senya's appearance. But there are various theories that often even become the causes of conflict. Especially acute is the moment when the flags of Valencia, Aragon, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands appeared, which are really similar. It is difficult to draw an unambiguous conclusion. Local residents consider the flag of Catalonia to be unique, perhaps, it is not worth arguing with them, it's better to just pay attention to their legends. There is a theory that Seigneur appeared in 878, when Gifre Pelos became Count of Barcelona, Girona and Besalú. However, the first mention in the documents is dated 1082 year. In the drawings of those years there is the Earl's coat of arms - four stripes of red color on a gold background. Later they became used throughout the principality. This makes the flag of Catalonia one of the oldest in Europe.

French theory

According to some opinions, the flag of Catalonia is of French origin. Four red stripes symbolize the county of Carcassonne. In addition, it is sometimes believed that they symbolize the papacy. The fact is that red and yellow have long been a symbol of the bishopric. As you know, the kings of Aragon and Barcelona used to be "standard bearers of the Pope". The ancient flag of Catalonia can be seen on the coins of 1150. They depict the symbolism of Barcelona. Whatever it was, officially Seigneur was accepted already in the eighteenth century. For some time, the flag of Catalonia was banned, but soon returned to its use. It is used as an element of decor, despite the fact that officially the whole country should use the common Spanish cloth. For the Catalans, Seniera serves as a symbol of patriotism and independence. It is necessary to distinguish the flag of Catalonia with the star in colors - if it is located on a blue background, it is a banner of nationalists, and if on yellow - socialists.

Legend of Seigneur

There is also a special story about Seigneur. She has more than five centuries. According to legend, Count Gifre Pelos and King Carlos Kalvo II fought against the Normans, and in the battle of the first mortally wounded. He asked to bring a shield. Carlos gave it to him, and the hero left the bloody streaks on his shield with his fingers. This was the sign of courage, courage and friendship, which later became Seniera. There are other artistic versions of the interpretation of symbolism. For example, in the paintings of some Catalan masters, you can see riders in red robes riding horses through gold wheat - this figure also strongly resembles the flag of Catalonia.