The Swedish flag is one of the oldest state symbols. How was he chosen, and what do his colors mean? What other symbols do the Swedes use?
Official symbols
Any country has its own national signs. Sweden is no exception to this rule. The flag and coat of arms of this state have a rather extensive history. For example, a blue cloth with a yellow cross has been used for about five centuries. In 1569, a royal decree was issued that approved just such a flag. All military banners and standards from that moment became yellow-blue. But only colors remained unchanged, the ratio of length and width, as well as the exact appearance of the Scandinavian cross, were determined and approved in 1982. From that moment, the flag of Sweden has its own day in the year.
The coat of arms of the country is even more ancient in origin. Three golden crowns on the azure field have been used by the kingdom since 1336. They were established by Mangus Ericsson. At that time, he owned three states: Sweden, Skan and Norway. This is called to designate the crown. The modern coat of arms has two options: large and small. On a large azure field is divided by an order cross. A silver lion in a crown is depicted above the left bandages, in the center is a sheaf and a cut shield, and in the left corner is a golden bridge, towers, a golden eagle and two Perun. On the small coat of arms under the name "trekrunur" three crowns are depicted, two on top and one on the bottom. The largest is surrounded by a chain of the Seraphim order and crowns the shield, thereby symbolizing the power of the king.
Flag colors
The blue and yellow colors of the Swedes are directly associated with their native country. In the adjective “blue-yellow,” in everyday life they describe something typically Swedish, linking themselves and their people with these particular shades. In addition, the state emblem, which marks the public and administrative buildings, is also made in such a color scheme. But what was the reason for choosing blue and yellow initially? The Swedes have an old legend on this subject. It is believed that King Eric prayed before the battle of the crusaders with the pagan Finns, and during the prayer he thought he had a golden cross, in which rays formed in the blue sky. The Swedish warriors won the battle, and the colors became heraldic.
Flag options
There is not only the official flag of Sweden, but also its naval version. The first looks like a blue-yellow rectangular cloth, and the second is made in the same colors, but has a jagged edge with three ends. The Scandinavian cross, which both of them include, is also used on the panels of other northern countries - in Icelandic, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish.
The flag of Sweden, whose photographs and images are used constantly in the country, differs from the flags of the listed states only in color. In addition to the official and naval, there is also a royal version. It also depicts a yellow Scandinavian cross on blue, but the image of the coat of arms is added in the center. On public holidays, coronations, and other major events, this flag of Sweden can be seen on monarch boats.
National flag day
In order to celebrate the Swedish flag festival on June 6, a legal holiday is always declared in the country. Blue-and-yellow panels are sure to appear near houses, public buildings and squares, especially patriotic citizens use the symbols of Sweden even more actively: they decorate their cars and front doors, prams and bags with shades of the national flag. On this day, residents of the country gather in the family circle, go for walks or picnics, relax in every way. Often on June 6 they plan weddings or graduation parties in gymnasiums. Practical Swedes are happy to combine a public holiday with a personal holiday, because the positive emotions from this do not decrease at all. Swedish citizens are also very fond of all kinds of recreational activities, so on Flag Day you can often see sporting events for everyone, which are held in city parks. Their goal is to attract as many participants as possible and thereby improve the health of the country's inhabitants. Those who are just becoming a citizen of Sweden are solemnly congratulated on this day in urban municipalities. In the capital, the holiday is associated with the open day of the Royal Palace, and in the vicinity of the city of Skansen, an open-air concert is usually held.
history of the holiday
The day for celebrations in honor of the flag was not chosen by chance. It was on June 6, in 1523, that Gustav Ericsson ascended the Swedish throne. Just before that, he defeated the Danes, led by their king, Christian the Second, and drove them out of Stockholm. These events marked the beginning not only of the Vaz dynasty, but also of Swedish statehood as such. So on June 6, they celebrate not only the flag of Sweden, but also the country's independence from other states. It is interesting that on the same day, but already in 1809, a constitution was adopted restricting the power of monarchs and dividing the government into several parts, including a parliament called the “Riksdag” and the Supreme Court, appointed by the king.