The Denmark flag, known as the Dannebrog, is one of the oldest national flags in the world, with a history that dates back over 800 years. Its striking design features a bold white Scandinavian cross on a vibrant red background, symbolising the nation’s deep-rooted Christian heritage and cultural identity.
According to legend, the Dannebrog fell from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse in 1219, inspiring the Danish king Valdemar II and his troops to victory. This captivating story has been woven into the fabric of Danish folklore, making the flag a cherished emblem of national pride.
What is the Denmark flag?
The Danish flag, known as the Dannebrog, is one of the most recognisable national symbols in the world. It is celebrated not only for its striking design but also for its rich history and cultural significance.
Description of the Danish flag
The Dannebrog features a simple yet powerful design: a white Scandinavian cross that extends to the edges of a solid red field. The vertical part of the cross is positioned towards the hoist side, which is a characteristic feature of Nordic flags. The flag’s proportions are officially set at 28:37, meaning that for every 28 units in height, there are 37 units in width. The white cross is four units wide, while the red background is often referred to as Dannebrok red, a specific shade of red that has become synonymous with the flag itself.
The symbolism of the flag is deeply rooted in Danish culture. The white cross represents Christianity, reflecting Denmark’s historical ties to the Church, while the red background signifies bravery, valour and strength. These colours and the cross design are common among other Nordic countries, which share similar flag designs that highlight their cultural and historical connections.
Variations of the flag
While the Dannebrog is the national flag, there are variations used for specific purposes:
- Royal flag: The royal flag of Denmark features a slightly darker shade of red, known as madder red, and is used by the Danish royal family. This version may also include additional embellishments or crests, distinguishing it from the civil flag.
- Naval ensign: The naval ensign is used by the Danish Navy and is similar to the national flag but may include additional symbols or markings specific to maritime use.
- State flag: The state flag may incorporate the coat of arms of Denmark, used during official state functions and ceremonies.
- Bunting and decorative flags: The Dannebrog is often produced in various sizes and formats for decorative purposes, such as bunting for celebrations, small flags for cakes, and larger flags for public displays during national holidays.
- Fantasy flags: Some regions in Denmark have unofficial flags that are not recognised by the government, often referred to as “fantasy flags”. These flags may represent local communities or events but do not hold the same status as the national flag.
Guidelines for usage
The Dannebrog holds a special place in Danish society and its usage is guided by both tradition and informal etiquette rather than strict legal regulations. Here are some key points regarding its use:
- Public display: The flag is commonly flown on national holidays, such as Constitution Day (5 June), and during celebrations like birthdays, weddings, and other festive occasions. It is also used during funerals, where it is flown at half-mast to signify mourning.
- Home and business use: Many Danes display the flag outside their homes or businesses, particularly on special occasions. It is customary to use the flag to decorate birthday cakes and other celebratory items, symbolising joy and festivity.
- Respect and dignity: While there are no strict laws governing the flag’s use, it is generally expected that the flag be treated with respect. This includes not allowing it to touch the ground and ensuring it is displayed upright.
- Half-mast protocol: When flown at half-mast, the flag is first raised to the top of the flagpole before being lowered to the halfway point, a sign of respect for those who have passed away.
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Denmark flag history
The most famous legend surrounding the Dannebrog dates back to June 15, 1219, during the Battle of Lyndanisse (modern-day Tallinn, Estonia). According to tradition, the Danish King Valdemar II, known as Valdemar the Victorious, led an expedition against the pagan Estonians. As the battle turned against the Danes, Archbishop Anders Suneson reportedly prayed for divine intervention. In response, a red flag with a white cross is said to have fallen from the sky, inspiring the Danish soldiers to rally and ultimately secure victory. This miraculous event has been immortalised in Danish folklore and is celebrated annually on Valdemar’s Day, marking the flag’s legendary origins.
The earliest written accounts of this tale emerged in the 16th century, notably in Christiern Pedersen’s Danske Krønike and the writings of the Franciscan friar, Petrus Olai. Pedersen’s account states that the very same flag was taken into exile by Eric of Pomerania in 1440. Olai’s record describes a battle in 1208 near Fellin during the Estonia campaign of King Valdemar II, where a lamb-skin banner depicting a white cross fell from the sky and led to a Danish victory.
In a third account by Olai, the story is re-told with the year corrected to 1219, specifying the Battle of Lindanise (also known as the Battle of Valdemar) near Tallinn. It is this third account that has been the most influential, with some historians treating it as the primary account taken from a (lost) source dating to the first half of the 15th century.
Despite the lack of historical evidence supporting the legend, its cultural significance remains profound, symbolising hope and divine favour. The story of the flag’s origins has become a cornerstone of Danish national identity.
The Middle Ages
Following its legendary inception, the Dannebrog began to take on a more defined role in Danish society. By the late Middle Ages, the flag was used as a maritime ensign. The first known depiction of the flag in a heraldic context dates back to the late 14th century, during the reign of Valdemar IV Atterdag. It was during this period that the flag began to be associated with the Danish monarchy, serving as a royal standard in military campaigns and state functions.
The earliest concrete source linking the red flag with the white cross to a Danish king is a Dutch armorial, the Armorial Gelre, written between 1340 and 1370. This armorial contains the Danish flag among a listing of almost 2,000 coats of arms from all over Europe. However, at this stage, it was not yet a national flag for all Danes but, rather, the field emblem of King Valdemar IV Atterdag, who ruled Denmark from 1340 to 1347.
The Dannebrog also played a significant role in the Kalmar Union (1397-1523), an alliance of the Nordic countries under Danish leadership. The flag’s design influenced the flags of other Scandinavian nations. Throughout the Middle Ages, the flag was primarily a royal emblem, and its use was restricted to the monarchy and military.
Modern period
The perception and usage of the Dannebrog began to shift significantly in the 19th century. In 1834, a royal decree prohibited ordinary citizens from displaying the flag, a regulation that reflected its status as a symbol of the monarchy. However, this restriction was gradually relaxed, particularly during the First Schleswig War (1848-1851), when the flag became a rallying point for Danish nationalism. Following the war, citizens began to embrace the flag, displaying it during celebrations and public events, thus transforming it into a national symbol for all Danes.
In 1854, the Dannebrog was officially recognised as the national flag of Denmark, although the proportions had not yet been laid down by law at that time. It was not until 1 May 1893 that a length of between 6:4 and 7:4 was unofficially established. The oldest existing flag of recent times, dating from 1427, was preserved at St Mary’s Church in Lübeck until it was destroyed by an Allied bombing raid during the Second World War.
Today, the appearance of the Danish national flag is precisely defined. The aspect ratio must be 28:37, with the first red field 12 units long, the white area 4 units, and the second red field 21 units, resulting in a total of 37 units. The other side is divided into two red fields 12 units long, separated by a white strip 4 units long, totalling 28 units.
The Danish flag is hoisted on various days throughout the year, particularly birthdays of members of the Danish royal family, commemoration days for the occupation and liberation of Denmark in the Second World War, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Christian holidays such as Easter, the Day of Prayer and Repentance and Pentecost. On the national days of Greenland (21 June) and the Faroe Islands (29 July), the flag of the respective autonomous region is hoisted alongside the Dannebrog.
Denmark flag meaning
The flag of Denmark, known as the Dannebrog, is one of the oldest national flags in the world, with its origins dating back to the early 13th century. The name “Dannebrog” translates to “flag of the Danes,” where “brok” means cloth in Old Danish.
Denmark flag colours
The flag of Denmark features a striking design of a white Scandinavian cross on a red background. This flag is not only one of the oldest national flags still in use but also carries significant symbolism associated with its colours.
Colours and their significance
Red
The red background of the Dannebrog is emblematic of strength, bravery, and courage. This colour has historical ties to Danish royalty and is often associated with the resilience of the Danish people in battles throughout history. It represents the nation’s readiness to defend its values and sovereignty.
White
The white cross represents peace and purity, symbolising Denmark’s Christian heritage. The cross is a common feature in the flags of many Nordic countries, signifying a shared cultural and religious background. In the context of the Danish flag, the white colour also embodies truth and harmony, reflecting the values that are central to Danish society.
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