About the Sweden Flag
Although simple, the Swedish flag has a great deal of symbolism and history. The flag consists of a blue background and a yellow Scandinavian cross. It is similar in style to other Nordic flags, such as the flags of Finland and Norway, according to the CIA World Factbook.
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History
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According to Flags of the World, the exact timeline of the Swedish flag is unknown. Its age is dated to the 16th century, and the design may have been influenced by the Danish flag. In 1569, the king issued a decree that the yellow cross must appear on Swedish standards and banners; there is evidence of the current blue and yellow design being used as early as the 1620s. However, this design wasn't officially adopted as the Swedish flag until June 22, 1906.
Significance
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According to the CIA World Factbook, the colors of the flag of Sweden mirror the colors of Sweden's coat of arms. Sweden's coat of arms dates back to the 14th century and contains three gold crowns within a blue background. In heraldry, the study of coats of arms, colors have a great significance. According to Winslow Genealogy, heraldic tradition states that yellow represents generosity and elevation of the mind, while blue represents truth and loyalty.
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Features
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The cross on the Swedish flag is the Scandinavian cross. The Scandinavian cross is off-center, with its vertical bar more towards the hoist, or to the left, of the flag. According to World Flags, the Scandinavian cross represents Sweden's past links to other Scandinavian countries, including neighboring Denmark and Norway.
Flag Day
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Flag Day in Sweden is celebrated annually, on June 6. According to writer Cari Simmons in her article, "Swedish National Day Takes Shape," Flag Day became known as the Swedish National Day in 1983. June 6 marks the coronation of Gustav Wasa in 1523 and the new constitution in 1809, according to Simmons. It only became a public holiday in 2005 to encourage patriotism in Sweden.
Traditions
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According to World Flags, protocol states that once a Swedish flag becomes unsuitable for flying, it cannot be used for anything else and must be promptly burned. Similar to other nations' flag etiquette and traditions, during times of mourning, the flag is flown at half mast, and to denote distress, the flag is flown upside down, according to Flags and Nations of the World.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit twisted tower block behind swedish flags 01 image by Antony McAulay from Fotolia.com
