Catalonia is a territory with a difficult political situation. It is part of Spain, but many residents are convinced of the need for independence. It is not surprising that they have a special relationship with local symbolism.
Nameplate
Residents of Catalonia love their flag with all their hearts. They hang it on houses, decorate them with souvenirs, make figurines in its colors. You can see the flag of Catalonia everywhere in the cities of the region - perhaps everyone who has ever visited Barcelona has a photo of it. But if the locals are not alone in this love of their own - Americans also like state symbols - then another feature makes the standard unique. The fact is that he has a name. The Catalans and Valencians call it "Senier", recalling the ancient powerful Kingdom of Aragon. In local dialect, the name means flag, banner, symbol. Seniera is considered the official banner, which can be seen even on the form of football teams. The main color is yellow or gold, complemented by four stripes of red. The modern version differs from the Aragonese in the absence of a coat of arms image. On the flag of Valencia, there is an additional blue stripe and a golden crown at the pole.
Flag origin
There is no official version of Señier's appearance. But there are various theories that often even become causes of conflict. A particularly acute topic is the moment of the appearance of the flags of Valencia, Aragon, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, which are really similar. It is difficult to make an unambiguous conclusion. Locals consider the flag of Catalonia unique, perhaps you should not argue with them, it is better to just pay attention to their legends. There is a theory that Senier appeared in 878, when Gifre Pelos became Count of Barcelona, Girona and Besalu. However, the first mention in the documents dates back to 1082. In the drawings of those years there is the coat of arms of Count - four stripes of red on a gold background. Later they began to be 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 the "standard bearers of the Pope." The old flag of Catalonia can be seen on the coins of 1150. They depict the symbolism of Barcelona. Be that as it may, Senier was officially accepted as early as the eighteenth century. The flag of Catalonia was banned for some time, but soon returned to use again. It is used as an element of decor, despite the fact that officially the whole country should use a common Spanish cloth. For the Catalans, Senier is a symbol of patriotism and independence. It is worth distinguishing the flag of Catalonia with a star in colors - if it is located on a blue background, this is a banner of nationalists, and if on yellow - socialists.
Legend of Senhier
There is also a special story about Senhier. She is more than five centuries old. According to legend, Count Gifre Pelos and King Carlos Calvo the Second fought against the Normans, and were mortally wounded in the battle of the first. He asked to bring a shield. Carlos handed it over, and the hero left bloody stripes on the shield with his fingers. And so it turned out a sign of courage, courage and friendship, which later became Senhora. 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 golden wheat - this pattern also strongly resembles the flag of Catalonia.