Today British flag is something much more than just a symbol of a powerful empire.Magnets, souvenirs, bags, T-shirts and even underwear with prints flag Albion have become incredibly popular around the world.
Interesting facts
From the Gospel we know that the disciples of Christ after his ascension went to carry the word of God throughout the world.Some scientists believe that in Britain have visited the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, but evidence of their mission in the country is negligible.But the brother of the Apostle Peter, the holy martyr Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland is officially considered.The apostle was supposedly crucified on an oblique cross and the image of the white cross was widespread in the fourteenth century.
how it was
Flag Britain has a long and interesting history.Many historians believe that in the XIII century, during the bloody war with Wales, the cross was used as a national emblem, familiar to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.It was under this sign Knights Crusaders fought with Muslims, trying to achieve the transfer of the holy city in the power of the Christian Church.It is this cross, also known as the cross of St. George, and became the first symbol of Albion.At the beginning of the XVI century, his image appears on the flag of the state flag.
Cross St. Patrick
history of the British flag has close ties with religion.The most revered saints been considered until now semi-legendary Saint Patrick, who, according to legend, brought writing to Ireland, and at the same time drove all the snakes from the island.Great missionary lot of trouble for the good of Holy Church.Britain Flag combines the three crosses, one of which - a red saltire of Saint Patrick.By the way, according to one version, this is a sign of the symbols of the Order of St. Patrick, founded at the end of the XVIII century.Supporters believe the second version, he was borrowed from the coat of arms of the Fitzgerald;In addition, it is believed that the cross of Saint Patrick's is nothing but as a symbol of the Order of the Garter, which was tilted at an angle of 45 degrees.
historical value
Flag Britain has an enormous historical value.First of all, it symbolizes the union of all the four provinces of the country, now known as the United Kingdom (Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and, of course, England), and is called the "Union Jack," which means "union flag".Regarding the etymology of the word "Jack" conducted a lot of disputes.To date, historians have agreed that this is a tribute to the traditions of the sea, because the flag was originally used only for sea travel.Here, too, there are two versions, and how to take it, historians have not yet decided.
First: Jack translated to English literally means "bow the flag of the ship."The second option is more romantic: "Jack" - diminutive form the name of Jacob, and Jacob.That was the name of the king, who managed to unite England and Scotland.
value elements
show multiple images, the flag of Britain crosses three crosses:
- wide straight red cross on a white background (the cross of St. George, symbol of England).
- skew red cross, located on a white cross (the cross of Saint Patrick, the symbol of Ireland).
- the diagonal white cross (the cross of St. Andrew, the symbol of Scotland).
symbolism of the flag of Wales is not yet available, though talk of that cloth is high time to place a traditional Welsh dragon arise periodically.
Flowers Meaning
official flag of Britain begins its history from the beginning of the XVII century, to be exact, since 1603.That's when the Scottish king James VI inherited the English throne and became King of England James I. April 12 and was officially approved a new standard, now known as the Union Jack - the national flag of the United Kingdom, the value of the color that is known throughout the world.It is believed that red is the color of the royal family, and the white symbolizes the suffering of the holy martyr St. Andrew.As for the blue color, it is a tribute to history - initially, in the XV century, the flag was a blue background.
The British are known worldwide not only for its conservatism in relation to all new, but the fact that the sacred respect the traditions of their ancestors.Everything that is somehow connected with the state symbols, special attention is paid.So, today in Albion celebrate holidays dedicated to Flag Day.Panels are hung from the windows in the momentous days:
- birthday member of the royal family;
- on the occasion of the opening of Parliament;
- the anniversary of the wedding of the king;
- on the occasion of the Commonwealth.
In principle, it is only at first glance, everything seems so confusing.The Anglo-Saxons - people who adhere to a strict logic, and it is perfectly evident in their culture, art and history.
