Flag of Scotland - it is a national historic symbol and a mark of distinction.As we all know, Scotland is part of the United Kingdom.In the past (before 1707), it was an independent kingdom, today - only autonomous region.Having achieved independence in 1999, Scotland won what?The coat of arms and flag, an elected parliament, a separate state church and its own legal system.This article focuses on the national symbols of Scotland.
Flag of Scotland
This beautiful and unique, many have seen the flag.In this article you'll learn all about the flag of Scotland: photos, settings, history and legends.
So, the Scottish national symbol is a rectangular sheet of blue with oblique white cross on it.It is also used as part of the national flag of the United Kingdom, namely the Scottish flag superimposed on a red cross of the English.
exact aspect ratio flag is nowhere regulated.Typically, the cloth used with a ratio of 2: 3.Less - 2: 5.But the width of the strips of the diagonal cross is defined up - 1/5 of the total width of the flag.
St. Andrew's flag for the first time this symbol (white cross on a blue background) was used in 1286, he was decorated with a print of the National Guard.The very same flag of Scotland appeared much later - in 1542.At a given character has another name - the flag "St. Andrew", and in Russia - "St. Andrew".Why is the Scottish national symbol is someone's name?
St. Andrew - the patron of Scotland.He was one of the disciples of Jesus Christ and also preached Christianity.For the Romans crucified him.But Saint Andrew found himself unworthy to die as Christ, so he was crucified on two poles that cross each other diagonally.Hence the name - "St. Andrew's cross."
Legend of King Angus
around the historic banners was always full of mysteries, fantasies, anecdotes and conjectures.And the national flag of Scotland also has its own legend.
So, it all started back in the year 832, during the great battle near the modern capital of Scotland - Edinburgh.Then the Scots army was surrounded by a huge army of England and the chances of winning are minimal.The night before the decisive battle Angus King Mack Ferguson cried out to God.He asked about the victory over England.That night he made a vow before God that if the Scots win, he will announce St. Andrew patron of free Scottish kingdom.
And early in the morning in the blue sky suddenly appeared a cloud in the form of a diagonal "St. Andrew's" cross.Scottish army rejoiced, and England a fright.As a result, the victory was for Angus King, despite the superiority of the enemy.And the monarch fulfilled his vow given to God - St. Andrew became the patron saint of Scotland, and its symbol adorns the national flag.
Although historians argue that the flag of Scotland appeared only many years later, in 1542, it is hoped that in this case the truth behind the legend.
Coat of Arms of Scotland
the king of Scotland was also an official standard - a ferocious lion red OPEN JAWS and issued sharp claws on a gold background.This symbol was considered the unofficial flag of the kingdom and billowed into the air above the castle, but when it was present monarch.Later this "ferocious lion" became mandatory element of each of the royal coat of arms of Scotland.
This symbol has not been approved by British law as the official flag of the country.However, later it became the national emblem of Scotland.
Anthem
Scotland In Scotland there is no official national anthem.However, it has several title contenders.
first is considered to be the product of «The Flower of Scotland» Scottish band «The Corries».It was this song sounds when out on the field the Scottish rugby team.
second bidder - «Scotland the Brave» by Cliff Handley.
Today the official anthem is not recognized by any of these songs.The fact that the first song is not quite characterize Scotland today, and the text of the second almost no one knows.As a result, the autonomous region of the UK needs a new modern hymn.
unofficial symbol
Besides the official symbols of Scotland there are the so-called semi-official character.It is a white unicorn with a shield bagpipe - national musical instrument, tartan - Scottish thistle and ornament, which is depicted on the banknotes.
Why thistles?Its full in Scotland.This nondescript except for a flower picture on the money, found in all souvenir shops, well, of course, grows on fields and meadows.
No one knows why the thistle - the symbol of Scotland.But here there is a legend.According to legend, while the Scottish army slept, the enemy quietly snuck them to cut in a dream.However, enemy troops came to the thorny thistles and howled in pain, thereby unlocking the Scots.The army mobilized after sleep, and smote the enemy.In gratitude, the thistle was named the Guardian and became a symbol of Scotland, albeit unofficial.
