Flag of Austria: something you did not know about

The flag of Austria is a rectangular panel that has a 2: 3 aspect ratio. It consists of 3 equal strips arranged horizontally. The upper band is red, the middle is white, and the last, the lower, is also red.

The flag of Austria, the photo of which you can see in this article, acquired its appearance in 1918, after this state with the republican form of government was proclaimed. And in the autumn of next year, on October 21, the Austrian flag was officially approved. However, in 1938, namely on March 13, the national flag was abolished, but in 1945, on May 1, a multi-colored cloth was approved as a state attribute again.

Differences between the national flag and the state

It is worth noting that the national flag of Austria - an amazing and fascinating country - is somewhat different from the state flag. For example, the central part, which is decorated with the image of a black eagle with a shield consisting of three colors, is complemented by a picture of a hammer with a sickle, with the head crowned by a crown.

But when the flag of Austria was chosen to be considered state, then in the paws of the eagle they began to depict broken chains. This symbolized the deliverance of the Austrian people from oppression and encroachment of the fascist troops. In 1984, on March 28, the last modification of the flag of Austria took place. By the way, the flag of the lower Austria consists of two horizontally arranged strips of blue and yellow with the center of the ground coat of arms.

What is the significance of the colors of the flag

It is believed that the red color, in which the flag of Austria is mostly painted, means the shed blood of citizens - patriots who fought for the independence of this state. White is considered a symbol of the conquered freedom and the overthrow of the absolute monarchy that used to exist.

Also, the recognized version of the value of the colors of the flag can be supplemented. According to local residents, the snow-white strip of the banner denotes the Danube River, which runs through the country from west to east. This banner first appeared in the medieval state, which is documented.

When the flag of Austria appeared

At the beginning of the 13th century, the seal, which belonged to the dukes of the Babenberg dynasty, was depicted as a knight on a horse. The knight's shield was divided into equal 3 parts. The color of the parts was not indicated at that time, but this image already bore the name of the Babenberg coat of arms. It is noteworthy that at that time, military banners, painted in the same way, began to be used.

Investigating the information of some herbivores (Zuricher Rolle, Wappenbuch vd Ersten, Gelre, etc.), which relate to the Middle Ages, it can be noted that even then the state was represented by the coat of arms of the corresponding color. Most likely, you will be interested to know about the fascinating legend of the XIV century, which tells about the appearance of the white and red combination, indicated on the coat of arms. According to her, such a coloring of the flag was invented during the crusade by the Duke Leopold Babenbergsky.

How it was?

After a fierce battle with the Saracens, the knight's cloak of the duke, who was white, was soaked with blood. But how did the duke marvel when he took off his belt and noticed that blood had not penetrated him at all! There was only a crystal clear thin strip. The knight estimated the event to be worth, and the combination of red and white was later transferred to the family standard.