bygone Soviet Union was united in its time of fifteen republics.Each had its own flag, but each of them had some common features: the basic background - red sickle with a hammer in the corner ... Union collapsed, and all the countries previously constituted it returned to its historic banner.Among them, of course, it turned out to Latvia.
Ancient history
Interestingly, the Latvian flag is almost the most ancient in the world.Mention of it is found in the rhymed chronicle and belongs to the 13th century.Infighting between 1280 Latgale and Semigallians described it in some detail.And that the first had as its banner of cloth, which is now known as the flag of Latvia.Chronicles mention that this was a banner Guard Cesis.Of course, not too beautiful looks fact that carriers of the banner united with the Germans against their own countrymen, but the policy is seen not as unions.
These findings unearthed Latvian students are somewhere in the region of 1870.Given that the description of other flags of the period they are not found Young Latvians decided to do just that flag as its symbol, and the first time it has been on display as the Latvian flag in 1873, at the First Song Festival.
appearance and value
The oldest state flag, the easier it looks.The reason is simple: in the old days the production of intricate hues was not available, and white and red color makes the easiest.The flag of Latvia is very simple: two red stripes separated by white.Initially, two tone bands was very close to scarlet.And planned lines of the same width.However, in this form the flags of Austria and Latvia are almost identical.Therefore, later the color stripes has been changed.Now the flag is used carmine hue, officially registered as "Latvian red".A white stripe is made twice narrower than maroon.
This symbolism of color remains the same: red, as before, is the shed blood for freedom, white - undying hope and faith in a brighter future.
difficulties with hints
But not for nothing our ancestors chose a simple color.Modern Latvian authorities are concerned that the Latvian flag is often very objectionable color.Maroon bands often portrayed quite unimaginable shades, which can vary from brown (and quite dark) to almost carrot.Foreign embassies have repeatedly pointed this out to Latvians.As the colors of the Latvian flag - it is a state, decided to create a special commission that will oversee the production of the symbols of the country.Nobody will be able to produce them without a special license, and color matching will be carefully checked.
Legends
Like any self-respecting state symbol, flag Latvia has myths about its origins.The most common.In the battle with the Crusaders army leader, was mortally wounded.They put him on a white cloth, where he bled to death.But before his death, he ordered his soldiers not to surrender.Fabric dyed with blood of the leader, they have used as a flag - and won.Interestingly, the flag of Austria and Latvia have as legends exactly the same story.
second tradition more bloodthirsty.According to him, the blood of dead Germans poured into a huge pot.Cloth hanging on a lance, fell into the pot.Therefore, in the middle, where there were staff, remained white stripe on the sides cloth stained with blood of slain enemies.
Latvian coat of arms: a deep meaning and historicity
This country appreciates its history and cherishes all that goes with it.Such is Latvia.Flag and coat of arms tightly tied to its past.Especially interesting is the last.In the image of the emblem there is the sun, before it retreated from seventeen rays.Exactly the county was part of the country.In the modern version of the coat of arms left eleven Rays - the number of regions.The shield is held by two of the beast;they are also depicted on the billboard.Scarlet lion symbolizes the Zemgale and Kurzeme, silver griffin - Vidzeme and Latgale.Latvian is the official symbol of the oak, and (along with lime, embodying feminine and family home).Oak leaves represent the military prowess and readiness to stand up for their country.
full of deep meaning and the star crowning the Latvian coat of arms.They remind us of the land consolidation Latvia (historically it was believed that three of them: Vidzeme separate, self - Lattgale and Kurzeme and Zemgale considered as a single region).
Individual components of the coat of arms there since the sixteenth century.He gathered them in the big picture and designed the emblem in its present form the artist Rihards Zarinesh in 1921.
modern history
official date at which the flag of Latvia became a national symbol, is considered to be 1921, June 15.Some historians dispute her, pushing into the '22 and 15 February, but it is not so essential.However, until that time the flag was used: in particular, during the First World Latvian part of the Russian army went into battle under him, he proudly exhibited scouts and community organizations that banner signified their affiliation to Latvia.
modern view of cloth acquired in 1917 through ANSYS Cirulis.He has developed a shade of red stripes, he's made more than a narrow white component.
becoming part of the Soviet Union, Latvia received another flag - of course, red, sickle-hammer, a star and the acronym of the country.In the Patriotic War under the banner of the original Latvian soldiers went to the Latvian SS Volunteer Legion.It was only in '88 the last century, the flags of Lithuania and Latvia took its former appearance.Finally, the flag became a symbol of the state in 1990, the year.
It is hoped that this is the final version of the banner of the Latvian.And if the political map of the world will no longer reshape, the inhabitants of this beautiful and friendly country will never be separated from cherished history and precious to their hearts reminders of his past.Maybe someone Latvian flag seems too simple and unpretentious, but it is expensive Latvians in the form in which it exists.So we will respect their feelings and preferences.
