Each country has a distinctive flag that was adopted during their history, and Sweden is no different. The Sweden Flag is going to be blue with a yellow cross that was designed in the Scandinavian cross design. The cross is set on the flag in a horizontal position, meaning that the longest part of the cross starts on the left and moves to the right on the flag, with the shorter part starting at the top and going down. The dimensions of the cross are 5:2:9 for the horizontal and 4:2:4 for the vertical. The colors of the flag were chosen because of the coat of arms of Sweden from 1442. You will find the current flag was not adopted until June of 1906 as the Civil and State flag. There was an earlier Sweden flag that dates back to the 1600's. The older Sweden flag had the same blue and yellow, but the cross came to a sword point and there was a bit of white on the flag as well. In fact the blue of the flag was limited on the right side where the sword came to a point offering a white triangle that was taken out on part of the rectangular formation of the flag. You will find that the Sweden flag was made with a cross pattee of gold and modeled after the Danish flag. You will also find that the Sweden flag has used the same colors sing Magnus Birgersson's royal coat of arms of 1275.
There are three different flag styles of the Sweden flag. You have the state and civil ensign, the military ensign, and the regent's flag. The military ensign has the triple tailed flag that offers a similar design to the first flag of Sweden. The regent's flag is similar to the military ensign flag with the triple tail, but the white is usually greater and you have a greater coat of arms that deals with the Order of the Seraphim. The king is the only one to fly this flag, as the rest of the royal family must use the lesser coat of arms.
You will find in Sweden flag history there were seven different designs of the flag depending on the need. There was a flag before the 1600's that is similar to the one after, but the cross was shorter and without a point. Then there was the blue flag with three tails that offered the blue ensign for the light fleet. There was also a moderate change to the flag for the Swedish and Norwegian ensign offering a saltire on red and the canton symbolizing Nowary. There were two types of this flag in the 1800's. There was also a union badge in the Sweden flag fleet that offered a larger cross and canton for the union and naval jack. In the later 1800's and early 1900's the union badge was then placed on the Sweden flag of the 1600's as well as the current Sweden flag you will see flying today.
Sweden History Tip #1
Always remember to carry a map of Sweden when you visit, mark on it the whereabouts of your hotel and the full address and keep it with you when you travel. Mark down landmarks near the hotel if you plan to walk so that you can easily spot the direction of your residency for the time of your stay. |
Sweden History Tip #2
If you plan to travel to Northern Sweden to experience the Northern Lights and the Ice Hotel, pack accordingly and remember warm clothing, especially in winter months. Thermal underwear is highly recommended on top of hats, scarves and a couple of pairs of gloves – there's nothing worse than packing just one pair and losing one glove! |
Sweden History Tip #3
Gothenburg Sweden is just one of many things to see in Sweden. A good idea is to plan your trip in advance so that you can get to see the best of the best. The place is full of history, glorious scenery, architecture and quaint little buildings. |
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