on contemporary political world map is located 194 State.They have their own symbols - coat of arms, flag and anthem.The history of these shrines goes deep into the past, and each has its own legend and features.Swiss flag is considered one of the most unusual in the list of countries currently existing on the political map.This country is located in Western Europe and occupies a rather small area - only 41,284 square kilometers, but its state symbols are easily recognizable in the world.There are few countries in the shrines that depict the same elements, and one of them - Switzerland.Flag and coat of arms of the state have the cross and made in two colors: white and red.
little history
Confederation of Switzerland originated in the late 13th century as a union of the three territories (Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden), which merged with a defensive purpose.By the end of the 15th century, several cantons have joined the young nation, and it will defend its independence from Rome.Switzerland - one of the few European states that do not interfere in the major wars and maintain its neutrality.Here are the center of many international associations.Currently, as part of the country's 26 administrative units (cantons) and two enclaves belonging to Italy and Germany.On the territory of the Swiss government recognized four languages - Romansh, German, Italian and French.
flag Switzerland
Square canvas red with a white cross in the center is a symbol of this country since the 14th century.The first victory under this flag was won by the Swiss Union during the Battle of Lupin.After this momentous event situation in the country has become more stable.Colours are the embodiment of the state symbols of independence, and the cross is a reminder of the sanctity of freedom of their homeland.Officially adopted by the configuration of the web is different: the state flag is a square, and shopping - a rectangle.Flag of Switzerland, or rather its shape and the elements during its existence has changed, but the colors remained constant.
- In the 15th and 16th centuries the flag leaf had a triangular shape.
- In the 19th century, a white cross consisted of five identical squares.
- Since the late 19th century, the length of the cross beams has become more than 1/6 of the width.
- current flag of Switzerland, photos of which is presented below, it is officially approved in the 19th century.
Coat of Switzerland
image of a cross on the state symbols of Switzerland stands for the liberation of their land as well as the distinctive signs of the Crusaders.The coat of arms of the country is a red shield, which depicts a white cross.Its approval took place in December 1889.Currently, each administrative and territorial unit of Switzerland has its own coat of arms, in addition to the total.The emergence of a cross on the symbol of this country has several versions:
- This element is a symbol of the martyr St. Mauritius, who was executed for refusing to participate in the massacre of their co-religionists.Later, he was canonized, and the place where he died, is one of the sacred in Switzerland.
- There is a version that this emblem borrowed from the flag of the Canton of Bern, the rule in the country during the formation of the young state.
- Another version has it that the cross was a symbol of the canton of Schwyz, joined the Confederacy one of the first in the late 19th century.
Swiss Psalm
anthem of this country was written in the late 19th century, but was officially adopted only after almost a half century.At its heart - the famous poem by the poet and journalist Widmer, set to music of church psalm Alberich Tsvissinga.This work was first performed by the author of the inhabitants of the town of Zug in 1841.For a long time the national anthem was not recognized state, but runs on all patriotic activities of the country.After carrying out a large number of votes and referendums it was officially approved in 1981.To date, the Swiss Psalm translated into all the languages in force in the country.
Interesting facts
- flag Switzerland has no less famous "descendant" - a symbol of the ICRC.Henry Dunant, who is the creator of one of the first societies care for the wounded in the late 19th century, decided to choose as a symbol of his humanitarian organization the flag of their country, only changed the arrangement of colors.
- As part of the UN member states, only two countries have a rectangular shape of the flag, is Switzerland (square) and Nepal (a combination of two pennants).During one of the meetings of the organization when it was exposed to a rectangular sheet of the country (it is used exclusively for trading purposes), Bern protested and got the replacement form the flag.
- the flag and coat of arms are deeply permeated all the Swiss everyday life - they are available on the numbers of cars and local francs.
- Symbols Switzerland is very often used in the design of souvenirs.The most popular are the following products: watches, army knives, manicure sets, cheese and chocolate.
