The Danish flag is the oldest in the world! Documents indicate that the Danneg - "the land of the Danes", as the Danes call it - appeared in the XIV century. The inhabitants of Denmark themselves believe otherwise and believe in the legend according to which the flag was given to the nation by heaven.
The Legend of the Dannenburg
The Danish king Valdemar the Victor waged a struggle against paganism. During the campaign in the name of Christ, the Danish army stopped at Kolyvani (modern Tallinn). While the Danes were preparing for battle, the rivals fussed and attacked first. The brave army rushed to flee, but the priests climbed the hill and asked for the Lord's help. The heavens opened, and the banner of the Dannek fell into the hands of the Danes. The inspired soldiers gathered their strength and overthrew the pagans.
That in this pathetic story is true, that fiction is unknown. The beautiful legend was illustrated by Christian August Lorenzen, a Danish artist: the painting "Legend of the National Flag" hangs in Copenhagen.
Symbols of the flag of Denmark
The flag of Denmark is a red rectangle with a displaced Scandinavian cross of white color. The cross is a symbol of Christianity, and the red color means the strength of spirit, courage and courage of the Danish people. These qualities helped the Danes to win the struggle for freedom and independence of their country.
Scientists have several hypotheses about where the Danes borrowed the color of the flag and the image of the cross. The prototype could serve as the banners of the troops of Germany, the Order of the Ionnites or heraldic symbols of the Roman Empire.
Interesting facts about the flag of Denmark
- According to the legend described above, the Danes know exactly the date of birth of their flag. This is the day of that victorious battle - June 15, 1219.
- At the end of the XIV century, the Kalmar Unity was created, which, in addition to Denmark, included Sweden and Norway. In connection with this event, the image of three crowns representing the three kingdoms was added to the flag. In this form, the flag has existed unchanged for almost 400 years - an enviable constancy! In 1814, when the union collapsed, Denmark received back the historic Dannerbrog.
- On the flags of some states there are images of coats of arms. In Denmark, on the contrary- respect for the flag is so great that on the coat of arms of the Danish kingdom we find a white cross depicted on the flag.
- Every year on June 15, Denmark celebrates the day of King Valdemar II the Winner. This is a noisy and cheerful holiday, adored by the Danes from young to old. People decorate houses and cars with flags, dress in national clothes, actively participate in competitions dedicated to the legend of the appearance of Dannerbrog. Flags on state institutions on this day are raised always and everywhere.
- Danish Flag Day is celebrated in Estonia. In the square of the Danish king (the place where, according to legend, the flag fell from heaven), curious tourists and official representatives of the Danish side gather.
