On the flag of what state is there a white cross? What does the white cross on the flag mean?

Use for the state symbols of the cross is a widespread phenomenon. Many countries in the world, and especially Europe, can boast of such images on their flags or coats of arms. But in every country behind this symbol are their history and meaning.

Denmark

This Scandinavian country uses a red flag with a white cross. The Danish cloth is one of the oldest in Europe. The cross is located unevenly, with the middle part centered on the canvas and a vertical strip shifted to the left. The scarlet color symbolizes strength and courage, as well as the valor that the inhabitants displayed in wars for their native land. For the first time the Danish flag with a white cross was used in the thirteenth century, during the battle of Lindanis. According to legend, during the battle of heaven the flag fell. An unexpected gift from God was received in 1219 and was named "Danneborg" in honor of his sacred origin.

Switzerland

In Europe, not one red flag with a white cross is used. In addition to Denmark, Switzerland uses such symbolism. However, its standard has a very special look. The square red flag itself looks unusual enough, and a white cross with equal sides in the middle reinforces the impression. The cloth has been used since 1889. According to some reports, the flag was borrowed from the canton of Schwyz, one of those that formed the Swiss Confederation in 1291. However, then the crossings reached the edges and the cloth much more resembled modern Danish symbols.

Greece

When analyzing, on the flag of which state there is a white cross, it is necessary to pay attention to the Greek standard. He has a very interesting and many-valued history. For the first time the flag with a white cross was used in 1807, it was made in the monastery Evangelistrias of the island of Skiafos. The local hieromonk took on him the oath of the leaders of the Greek revolution. In 1978, the flag with the white cross was slightly changed: nine horizontal stripes of blue and white symbolizing sea forces were added to it. There are other theories about the significance of this image. Thus, nine are the number of syllables of the revolutionary slogan of the times of the national liberation struggle of 1821. According to another version, the blue flag with a white cross complements the word "freedom" - in Greek it has just so many letters. Finally, there is a third version: nine strips symbolize the muses from ancient Hellenic mythology - Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia and Urania.

Iceland

Among the answers to the question about the presence of a white cross on the flag of a state, this is also a far cryptic place. Iceland is a Scandinavian country, so the similarity of motives in national symbols can not be surprising. For the first time the Icelandic flag - blue with a white cross over which red is located - was used in 1918, after gaining sovereignty. Each color has its own symbolic meaning. White denotes snow and ice, blue - the waters of the Atlantic, which surround the island state from all sides. Red color is a symbol of Icelandic volcanoes. It is interesting that in the country there is a special law for the use of the flag. To hang it out is not civil law, but a special privilege.

When using, follow the rules. The cloth should not be wrinkled, worn or with distorted colors. A blue flag with a white cross, which is considered an unofficial symbol, is also not worth using. For insulting the state standard, you can get a punishment up to imprisonment for a year.

Scotland

Enumerating the options for answering the question about the presence of a white cross on the flag of a state, one should not forget about this country. The symbol of the northern part of Great Britain is a blue background and a white Andreevsky cross. The proportions of width and length are not determined by strict regulations. The unspoken name "soltuar" comes from the French word, which denoted the type of stirrup. The history of the flag is connected with St. Andrew, who was the brother of the apostle Peter and one of the followers of Jesus Christ. He was crucified on two crossed pillars, since he considered it unworthy to die just like his teacher. According to legend, the remains of Saint Andrew was brought to Scotland by the monk Regulus. He had a dream with the indication to take them as far as possible from Constantinople, and the Scottish land was then the farthest direction possible. According to another version, the flag was used for the first time after the battle of Edinburgh, when the clouds dispersed, forming the same Andreevsky cross in the sky.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

English standard called Union Jack is known all over the world. But, wondering, on the flag of which state there is a white cross, not everyone will remember that the UK is also suitable as an answer.

The famous cloth combines the symbolism of the three countries. The basis is the English flag - a white background, a red cross located in a straight line. Irish flag with the same color scheme, but diagonal arrangement, complements the panel. The Scottish flag - the blue background, the white cross - completes the combination, giving the symbol of the united state its standard modern look.

Confederation

Thinking about the white cross on the flag of a state, one should not exclude countries that do not already exist, although their symbols have been preserved and even used by some people. This especially applies to the Confederate cloth. The battle flag, under which southern states fought in the American civil war, is still in the process of those who regret merger with the North, as well as among bikers who have made the symbol part of their culture. The cloth of red color is decorated with a white Andreevsky cross with blue stripes on top, on which the stars are located according to the number of lands included in the Confederation. The union used other symbols, but all of them resembled the main star-striped flag of America, which was the rival of Southerners. Therefore, most of all people remember the martial standard, which is still not difficult to see in the former southern states in cars or conservative homes: in South or North Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee or Alabama, As well as Missouri or Kentucky - it is found everywhere.

Slovakia

Perhaps the most original answer to the question of which flag the white cross has on its flag will be this Balkan country. The standard of Slovakia does not use the classical version with four sides. The cross of the flag has two horizontal crossbars and is markedly different from all other species used in the symbols of other countries. Initially, the cloth consisted of only two bands, the upper red and the lower white. Soon a double cross appeared in the symbolism. It was also applied in the printing of the city of Nitra in the thirteenth century. Further historical events forced Slovaks to use other symbols, but after the "velvet" revolution with disconnection from the Czech Republic in 1990, they again returned to the previous standard, which includes horizontal stripes and a white double cross on a scarlet field depicted on a shield near the shaft. It allows Slovakia to stand out against the background of other cloths in the same colors with a similar arrangement.