The Flag of Ireland

Brief History

The flag of Ireland was first displayed during the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848. Thomas Francis Meagher, the Young Irelander leader, was given the flag a gift from French women who were sympathetic to Ireland. Thomas Meagher unveiled the new Irish tricolor from a window as he greeted and spoke to a large crowd of people. In 1937, the modern flag was given a national status in the Irish Constitution.

Why Ireland?

For a very long time my family thought that we had ancestral connections to Ireland. But as it turns out, we actually had a Belgian ancestor who had moved to Ireland and had purchased land there. Regardless, Ireland is still a fascinating country for me.

The meaning behind the Irish tricolor stated by Thomas Meagher reads: “The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between Orange and Green and I trust that beneath its folds the hands of Irish Protestants and Irish Catholics may be clasped in generous and heroic brotherhood.” In other words, the Green stands for Irish Catholicism, the Orange for the Irish Protestant minority, and the white separating them symbolizes a lasting truce or peace between them.

Yet again, as previously mentioned in the Wales and England posts, my friend Mason traveled to the British Isles. Ireland, specifically is an experience that he will never forget. He recalls, “Ireland was by far one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. Everything was so green from the increased moisture, resulting in nearly every organic surface to have a soft and lush sheen, as if the ground were overlaid by a verdant blanket.” The hospitality of the Irish people notably also stood out to him, “Ireland was the Canada of the British Isles, with a permeating atmosphere of calm and kindness, especially present in the quaint towns and villages of the rolling countryside.” Finally, he reached the climax of Ireland, the capital. “Dublin was, in every sense of the word, sprawling. Narrow streets woven by haphazard Victorian architects were forced into a jumbled brawl with the widened streets necessary for culmination, the epiphany, of all that was to pass in the Isles of Ireland. Foods, cultures, languages swirled in a mishmash of colors like a kaleidoscope of new experiences, in the hub of all Irish life they call, Dublin.”

National Flag of Ireland, displayed vertically.

What flag would you like to see next?

I am always open to flag requests for future posts. Just leave a comment on this post requesting a flag. When requesting, make sure the flag is either a modern national flag or a historical one. However, keep in mind that I already have a few flags waiting to be showcased, so it may be awhile before I can get to your request. Thank you.

The Flag of Wales

Brief History

The most distinct feature of the Welsh flag is the Red Dragon in the middle, officially named the Dragon of Cadwalladr. It represented the Welsh and Celtic peoples of the lands. Also present in the story of the Red Dragon is the conflicting White Dragon said to represent the Anglo-Saxon invaders who arrived in Great Britain somewhere in the 5th century. The two Dragons have fought in stories and have remained an important part of the history of Wales. In 1485, Henry VII of Tudor used a flag in the Battle of Bodworth that resembles the design of the modern flag. The modern Welsh flag was officially adopted in 1959.

Why Wales?

Wales is one the last few countries that I have an ancestry from. I don’t specifically know what the story is behind it but, I know it comes from my mom’s side of the family.

I have to say, Wales has one of the coolest and unique flags in the world. The story of the red dragon is very unique and interesting. The Red on the Dragon of Cadwalladr represents hardiness, bravery, strength, and valor; the white for peace and honesty; and the green for hope, joy, love, and the Welsh lands. The Green and White are also said to be an addition from the House of Tudor. Wales is also only one of two countries that has a dragon on their national flag; the other being Bhutan in South Asia.

Back in the English Flag post, I talked about how my friend Mason traveled to the British Isles on a Summer trip. Wales was one of the countries he wishes that we would have spent more time in. He especially recalls the natural beauty of Wales. “I just remember how lush and green everything was because of all the moisture, kind of like a jungle. I also remember how all the sailboats were grounded on low tide and how bright the sun was.”

National Flag of Wales, displayed vertically.

What flag would you like to see?

The Flag of Germany

Brief History

The flag of Germany can be dated back to the 19th century. During the German Campaign of the Napoleonic Wars from 1813-1815, a small Prussian volunteer force called the Lützow Free Corps (Lützowsches Freikorps) fought against French occupation. The uniforms they used were black with red trim and golden/brass buttons. Then from 1848-1849, the March Revolution occurred. Many revolutionaries used the modern layout of black, red, and gold on an actual flag. Later on after World War 1, the newly established Weimar Republic used the tricolor as their national flag. Another World War later and Germany, now split between East and West, used the black, red, and gold tricolor until the adoption of the official modern flag in 1990 following a unified Germany.

Why Germany?

The German flag is significant to me because roughly a quarter of my ancestry comes from Germany alone. I initially wanted to feature a historical German flag first followed by the modern flag, however, I don’t currently own a historical one.

The German tricolor of black, red, and gold is a very distinct, symbolic, and beautiful flag. All the of colors complement each other and the sequencing is appealing to look at. Although rich with history, the colors of the flag don’t really have an official meaning affiliated with them but are often associated with the colors of the Holy Roman Empire, Weimar Republic, or the previously mentioned Lützow Free Corps. Modern unofficial interpretations of the symbolism have said that the black represents the dark past, the red for blood and struggle, and the gold for the ‘golden’ or ‘bright’ future of Germany.

National Flag of Germany, displayed vertically.

What flag would you like to see?

The Flag of England

Brief History

The Saint George’s Cross has been used for centuries dating back to the Middle Ages and has become largely affiliated with England since then. In 1606, England and Scotland’s Flag combined to make the First Union Flag.

Why England?

Why am I posting about England specifically? Well, part of it is just about collecting flags from around the world and the other part is that I have an ancestral connection that dates back to England. For me, having ancestors that are from a variety of countries is really special. I’m always excited to hear about my ancestry. I remember, a few months ago, I was informed that I had Czech blood. I was ecstatic. But unfortunately, it was later falsified. Turns out that my Mom’s step dad was part Czech but my Mom specifically isn’t, and therefore i’m not.

But anyways, England! I love the English Flag’s simplicity and elegance. It’s history competes as one of the oldest symbolic designs today. Currently, it’s common to spot St. George’s Cross at international sporting events such as the Olympics or the World Cup.

A great friend of mine, Mason, recently got to travel abroad to the British Isles over the summer. He traveled through Ireland, Wales, then to England. I was pretty jealous initially when he told me about it. He loved his experiences in London, England’s capital. He also visited Shakespeare’s Cottage. Mason remembers it so distinctly: “I remember the gorgeous beauty of such a testament to literature, the serene calm of the verdant fields ebbing and flowing like that of an oceanic tide.”

National Flag of England, displayed vertically.

What flag would you like to see?

The Flag of Sweden

History

The roots of the Swedish flag can be traced all the way back to the 15th century from the Swedish Coat of Arms which is still in use today. While the colors of Sweden, Gold and Blue, have been used since at least the 13th century. It is believed that King Magnus III first used the colors in his royal coat of arms in about 1275. The design of the Nordic/Scandinavian Cross is also said to be derived from the Danish Flag and represents Christianity. In 1814, the kingdoms of Sweden and Norway formed a union. This brought a change to the flag design. From 1818-1844, the Flag of Sweden now featured the traditional golden cross on a blue field with a white St. Andrew’s Cross on red in the canton of the flag representing Norway. In 1844, the kingdoms adopted a new pattern featuring the flag of Sweden (or Norway) with a union badge in the canton. This badge was essentially a combination of the Norwegian and Swedish flags. In 1905, the Union of Norway and Sweden was peacefully broken up and the modern Swedish flag was officially adopted.

Modern Design

As previously stated, the modern flag of Sweden was made official in 1905 and joined the Nordic flag family. As of 2019, the flag is about 114 years old. The design features a golden Nordic/Scandinavian Cross, representing Christianity, all on a field of blue. When displayed vertically, the Swedish flag should be hung from the left side (hoist) of the flag.

National Flag of Sweden, displayed vertically.

The Flag of the United States of America

History

The story of the US flag goes as far back as the 18th century. This was back when the US was only just a colony under the British Empire. The first flag of the American colonies first appeared in about 1775. Nicknamed the “Continental Colors”, It had 13 stripes of alternating red and white representing the original 13 colonies of Delaware, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. In the top left corner (called the canton) of the flag was a Union Jack instead of the blue canton of white stars we have today. The first flag using stars in the canton instead of the Union Jack was adopted in 1777 due to the Flag Act. This was essentially a way to define the standard design pattern of the American Flag. To this day, the number of stars represent the number of states in the US. Since 1775, the flag has seen about 26 different variations. The changes have really only been in the layout and number of stars on the upper-left corner. Often these variations of flags would only last about 1-8 years on average before another state entered the union, changing the design of the stars.

Modern Design

The modern US flag (nicknamed Old Glory, Star-Spangled Banner, and the Stars and Stripes) is the longest used flag in the country’s history at about 60 years old after Hawaii was granted statehood in 1959. The design features the traditional stars and stripes pattern with the original 13 stripes of red and white. The blue canton features 50 white stars representing the 50 states in the US. When hanging the flag either vertically or horizontally, the blue canton should always be in top left corner while displayed.

National Flag of the USA, displayed vertically.

The World of Flags

Thanks for joining me! I hope you will enjoy my content. My primary focus will be Vexillology, of course. A particularly unknown hobby and one that is of interest to me. Vexillology can briefly be defined as the study of flags. My blog will aim to present the concepts, ideas, and meanings of flags, both historical and modern. I have always had an interest in flags and their significance. I hope to share my interest with you through this blog.

A thoughtful mind, when it sees a nation’s flag, sees not the flag, but the nation itself. – Henry Ward Beecher