Flag of Denmark: history of appearance and modern appearance

A simple, but bright and memorable Danish flag is used by residents of the state designated by it everywhere. Not every country can boast of such patriotism. Even the history of his appearance is imbued with the deepest confidence of the Danes in the selectivity of their country and an endless love for her. How long has their main state symbol appeared and how does it look in the modern version? How did the centuries that had passed since his birth affected the appearance of the cloth?

The modern flag of Denmark

The main state symbol not only looks, but also is called extremely laconic: the official and widely used name - Dannebrog - in translation means "Danish cloth". It looks like a rectangle of bright red fabric with an image of an inverted white cross placed on it. The ratio of the sides of the panel in the modern version is strictly 28 to 37. Officially, this symbol was approved only in May 1893. Nevertheless, it is the national flag of Denmark that is the oldest of the existing ones, as it has been known since the end of the 14th century. No European standard can boast of such a long history. Now Dannebrog is very actively used by Danes both in souvenirs for foreigners and in everyday life - on the occasion of any city holiday and their inhabitants are abundantly decorated with red and white cloths. The flag of Denmark, photographs and images of which can be found on any household item, also use museums, administrative buildings, public centers that demonstrate Dannebrog on the facade permanently. Despite the fact that these or other variations of the Scandinavian cross are used by all neighboring countries - from Iceland to Finland - the Danes, like no one else, are sure that their flag is unique.

History of occurrence

The flag of Denmark was first captured in the old arms of Klaus Gelre, which was drawn from 1340 to 1370. Then the cloth was depicted as an element of the coat of arms of a Danish monarch named Valdemar Fourth Atterdag. The inverted cross, used on the flag, was also present in the royal press. Another Danish king, Eric Pomeranian, used to print three lions with the Danish flag in their paws in the upper left square, and in the upper right corner three crowns were depicted. This number symbolizes the number of countries united in the Union of 1397. Denmark, whose flag and flag became the main, annexed Sweden and Norway at that time. The use of three crowns, the form of which was determined under Margaret of the First Danish, was the only change in the symbolism of the flag of the country. Since 1814, it has regained its former appearance (due to the detachment of Norway). Then Schleswig and Holstein disconnected from the former once great empire. The power of the country decreased, but the more love for her in the hearts of her people increased. Since then, the flag of Denmark keeps its general appearance completely unchanged and looks the same as in the Middle Ages.

Variable proportions

The main amendments introduced by the rulers in the appearance of the cloth concerned its proportions. Thus, in 1748 the ratio of width and length was 14 to 17, and the width of the white cross on the flag was one seventh of its height. On the left side, the red fields were square, and the right ones were rectangular. The Ministry of Internal Affairs in 1893 considered it necessary to lengthen the flag, from this moment the right fields were increased. In 1926, the government made the latest changes, which remained in force to this day. The width of the flag corresponds to a length of 28 from 37, the width of the white cross refers to the width of the panel as 4 to 24. The left red parts, like in ancient times, should form squares.

The legend of the appearance

According to legend, the national flag of Denmark appeared by the will of the heavens. In 1219, Waldemar II went to Estonia to help the German colonists. Unexpectedly, the Estonians attacked, the Danes had to retreat under their onslaught. According to legend, at that moment the bishops who accompanied warriors rose to the hill near the line of battle, and they began to ask the Lord for help. And he immediately responded. The clouds opened, and from the sky a red cloth fell down with a white cross on it. There is also a version by which it fell into the hands of Archbishop Andreas Sunesen at the time when the Estonians seized the Danish standard of the king. Finally, there is a third version. The canvas did not descend from the sky, just the Danish king saw on the eve of the battle in the red sunset sky a white cross and considered it to be a sign of God. Anyway, the fighting spirit of the Danes lifted this or that divine sign, why they won a brilliant victory. In addition, from the very battle in Estonia, the era of the present Danish power began - the red and white cloth ruled over English, Scandinavian and even Indian lands. Since June 15, the National Flag Day has always been celebrated. And in the garden of the Danish king in Tallinn, there is a celebration, staging the events of the day when a red and white symbol was found. The knight in the armor of that era points to the place where the legendary flag, granted by the Lord God himself, descended from heaven.

Interesting Facts

There is no country in Europe, which would have as many national flags as in Denmark. They are decorated with houses, government offices, kindergartens, schools and universities, city parks and hotels. In addition, official symbols are depicted on decorative cushions and ornaments for a Christmas tree, sewn on clothes and printed on postcards. To meet a loved one from a vacation abroad a Dane can go with a flag, and no one will be surprised - this is in the order of things. If the cloth adorns the street outside the house, it means that the celebration of the birthday is going on inside. Tiny flags decorate even the vegetables on the market - so the Danes note the products produced by local farmers. On these simple products, thousands of kroons are earned annually. It is not difficult to explain such pride and patriotism. Despite the highest taxes, residents live extremely steadily and confidently. The economic model in Denmark is very effective, so the old Dannebrog flutters over a truly happy country.