The flag of Austria is a rectangular cloth that has a 2: 3 aspect ratio. It consists of 3 equal strips located horizontally. The upper stripe is red, the middle is white, and the last, lower, is also red.
The flag of Austria, whose photo you can see in this article, acquired its appearance in 1918, after this state with a republican form of government was proclaimed. And already in the fall of next year, October 21, the Austrian flag received official approval. True, in 1938, namely on March 13, the abolition of the national flag followed, but in 1945, on May 1, a multi-colored panel was re-approved as a state attribute.
Differences between the national flag and the state
It is worth noting that the national flag of Austria - an amazing and enchanting country - is somewhat different from the state one. For example, the central part, which is decorated with the image of a black eagle with a shield consisting of three colors, is complemented by a picture of a hammer with a sickle, and the crown of the bird crowns the head.
But when they preferred to consider the flag of Austria to be the state one, broken chains began to be depicted in the clutches of an eagle. This symbolized the deliverance of the Austrian people from the oppression and encroachment of the fascist troops. In 1984, on March 28, the last modification of the flag of Austria took place. By the way, the flag of lower Austria consists of two horizontally arranged strips of blue and yellow with a central emblem located in the center.
What is the meaning of flag colors
It is generally accepted that the red color, in which the flag of Austria is mostly painted, means the shed blood of citizens - patriots who fought for the independence of this state. White color is considered a symbol of freedom won and the overthrow of the previously prevailing absolute monarchy.
Also, a recognized version of the flag color value can be supplemented. According to local residents, the snow-white strip of the banner marks the Danube River, which runs through the country from west to east. Such a banner first appeared in a medieval state, which is documented.
When did the flag of Austria appear
At the beginning of the XIII century, on the seal, which belonged to the dukes of the Babenberg dynasty, the image of a knight on a horse was applied. The knight’s shield was divided into equal 3 parts. The color of the parts at that time was not indicated, but this image was already called the coat of arms of the Babenbergs. It is noteworthy that at that time they began to use military banners painted in the same way.
Examining the information of some of the coat of arms (Zuricher Rolle, Wappenbuch vd Ersten, Gelre, etc.), which belong to the Middle Ages, it can be noted that even then the state was represented by a coat of arms of a corresponding color. Most likely, you will be interested to know about the fascinating legend of the XIV century, which tells about the appearance of white and red combinations marked on the coat of arms. According to her, the flag was invented during the crusade by the Duke Leopold of Babenberg.
How it was?
After a fierce battle with the Saracens, the duke's knight's cloak, which was white, was soaked in blood. But how surprised the duke was when he took off his belt and noticed that under him the blood had not penetrated at all! There was only a crystal clear thin strip. The knight appreciated what happened, and the combination of red and white was subsequently transferred to the family standard.