There are four symbols of Sweden that you will habitually see when you visit their country. The first of the symbols that has long represented Sweden is going to be the Swedish flag. There are seven different flags that have been used in the last four hundred years as symbols of their country. Each flag has a different meaning regarding their use. For example one of the flags is only used when the King is in residence, some are only used for the military or the ships, and the most common flag is flown over the capital and used to represent the entire country. When you consider symbols of any country you are going to see that the colors, design, and overall appearance of that symbol is used because of the deep meaning it has in history, and Sweden symbols are no different.
Going back to the flag for a moment you will find that the flag offers a symbol of Sweden that dates back to the 13th century. While the flag is not that old there have been flags in Sweden since that time and they have always used the same colors. You will find that the current flag was officially adopted in 1906, but the formation or shape of the flag has been used since the 1600's. The Swedish flag is currently a blue flag with a gold cross or yellow cross in a horizontal position. Many historians believe this flag has been used as a means of representing the coat of arms colors that we will talk about in a bit. You will find that the flag also have a three tail design that is flown on the ships.
The National Coat of Arms is another symbol of Sweden that has been around for quite a while. You will find that the National Coat of Arms was laid down in 1982, but the two coat of arms that represent it are very much in use. There is the lesser and greater coat of arms that are current symbols of Sweden. The lesser coat of arms has a blue with tree crowns of gold, two over one. You will find the lesser coat of arms is sometimes encircled with the chain of the Order of the Seraphim. The lesser coat of arms was established as far back as the 14th century by King Magnus Eriksson and was adopted by later Kings to represent the country.
The greater coat of arms is the third symbol of Sweden and is only used today to represent the King. This coat of arms dates back to the 1400's and contains to lions and a crown. The symbol is very detailed and symmetric in design.
The last symbol of Sweden is actually the national anthem. While it is not a traditional symbol that you can see, it is nevertheless felt as a symbol of the nation and what it means to be a Swede in today's world as well as the past.
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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