for use of state symbols of the cross - a widespread phenomenon.Many countries, especially in Europe, it can boast such images on their flag or emblem.But in every country this symbol are its history and significance.
Denmark
This Scandinavian country has used a red flag with a white cross.The Danish flag is among the most ancient in Europe.Cross is uneven, with the middle part of the center of the web and a vertical stripe, shifted left.Red color symbolizes strength and courage and valor that showed residents in the wars of his native land.For the first time the Danish flag with a white cross used in the thirteenth century, during the Battle of Lindanise.According to legend, during the battle flag fell from the sky.An unexpected gift from God has been received in 1219 and named "Danneborg" is in honor of the sacred origin.
Switzerland
Europe uses more than one red flag with a white cross.Apart from Denmark, Switzerland applies this symbolism.However, it has the standard of a very special kind.Square red flag in itself is quite unusual looks, and a white cross with equal sides in the middle reinforces the impression.The cloth used since 1889.According to some reports, the flag was borrowed from the canton of Schwyz, one of those that in 1291 formed the Swiss Confederation.However, when the cross reached the edges of the cloth, and much more like a modern Danish symbolism.
Greece
Analyzing, the flag of the state there is a white cross, you must pay attention to the Greek standard.He has a very interesting history and many-valued.For the first time the flag with a white cross was used in 1807, it was produced in the monastery Evangelistrias Skiathos.A local monk took him on oath leaders of the Greek revolution.In 1978 a flag with a white cross has been slightly modified: add to it nine horizontal stripes of blue and white, symbolizing naval forces.There are other theories about the meaning of the image.For the nine - the number of syllables of the revolutionary slogan of the national liberation struggle in 1821.According to another version, the blue flag with a white cross in the word "freedom" - in Greek it so much letters.Finally, there is a third version of the nine stripes symbolize the Muses of ancient Hellenic mythology - Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia and Urania.
Iceland
Among the responses to the question of the flag of the state there is a white cross, and this is to be a mysterious place.Iceland - Scandinavian country, so the similarity of motives in national symbols may not be surprising.For the first time the Icelandic flag - blue with a white cross on top of which is red, - began to use in 1918, after gaining sovereignty.Each color has its own symbolic meaning.White stands for snow and ice, blue - Atlantic waters that surround the island nation from all sides.The red color is a symbol of the Icelandic volcano.It is interesting that in the country there is a special law for the use of the flag.Hang it - not civil law, and special privilege.
If you use should comply with the rules.The cloth should not be wrinkled, worn or wrong colors.The blue flag with a white cross, which is considered the unofficial symbol, too, should not be used.For insulting the state standard of the punishment can be obtained up to a year in prison.
Scotland
enumerating the possible answers to the question of the flag of the state there is a white cross, we can not forget about this country.The symbol of the northern part of Great Britain is a blue background and white St. Andrew's cross.The proportions of length and width are not determined by strict regulations.Unofficial name "soltuar" comes from the French word which denotes the type of stirrup.The history of the flag associated with St. Andrew, who was the brother of the Apostle Peter, and one of the followers of Jesus Christ.He was crucified on two intersecting pillars, as he felt unworthy to die the same way as his teacher.According to tradition, the remains of St. Andrew brought to Scotland monk Regulus.He had a dream indicating to take them as far away from Constantinople, and Scottish land was then the furthest direction possible.According to another version, the flag was used for the first time after the Battle of Edinburgh, when the clouds parted, forming in the sky the same Saltire.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
English standard titled Union Jack is known around the world.But, wondering on the flag of the state there is a white cross, not everyone remembers that the UK is also suitable as an answer.
famous flag combines the symbolism of the three countries.The basis is the English flag - white background, red cross, located in a straight line.Irish flag with the same color scheme, but the diagonal arrangement complements cloth.The Scottish flag - blue background, white cross - completes the combination, giving the symbol of a united state its standard modern look.
Confederation
thinking on the flag of the state there is a white cross should not be excluded from the attention and the countries that do not already exist, but their symbolism is preserved and is even used by some people.This is especially true the flag of the Confederacy.Battle flag, under which in the American Civil War fought the southern states, are still in vogue among those who regretted the merger with the North, as well as bikers, who made the character part of their culture.Red cloth decorated with white Saltire with blue stripes on top, on which the stars in the number of land forming part of the Confederacy.Combining use other characters, but they are all too reminiscent of the main stars and stripes flag of America, which was a rival of southerners.Therefore, in the memory of the people most preserved exactly Battle Standard that is still easy to see in the former southern states in cars or houses conservatives: South or North Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama,and the Missouri or Kentucky - it occurs everywhere.
Slovakia
Perhaps the most original answer to the question of the flag of the state there is a white cross, is the Balkan country.The flag of Slovakia does not use the classic version with four sides.Cross flag has two horizontal beams and markedly different from all other species used in the symbolism of other countries.Initially the panel consisted only of two bands, the upper and lower red and white.Soon there was symbolism and double cross.It was also used in the printing of Nitra in the thirteenth century.Further historical events forced Slovaks to use other symbols, but after the "velvet" revolution with the detachment from the Czech Republic in 1990, they returned to the old standard of which includes horizontal stripes and white double cross on a dark red field depicted on the shield of the hoist.It allows Slovakia to stand out against other panels in the same colors with the same location.
