The flag of Scotland is its national historical symbol and insignia. As everyone knows, Scotland is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In the past (until 1707) it was an independent kingdom, today it is only an autonomous region. Having gained independence in 1999, what did Scotland get? Coat of arms and flag, elected Parliament, a separate state church and its own legal system. This article will focus on the national symbols of Scotland.
Flag of scotland
This beautiful and unique flag was seen by many. From this article you will learn all about the flag of Scotland: photos, options, history, legends.
So, the national Scottish symbol is a rectangular canvas of blue color with an oblique white cross on it. Part of it is also used in the national flag of Great Britain, namely: the red cross of the British is superimposed on the Scottish flag.
The exact aspect ratio of the flag is not regulated anywhere. As a rule, panels with a ratio of 2: 3 are used. Less often - 2: 5. But the width of the stripes of the diagonal cross is determined with an accuracy of 1/5 of the entire width of the flag.
St. Andrew's flag
For the first time this symbol (white cross on a blue background) was used in 1286, it adorned the seal of the National Guard. The flag of Scotland itself appeared much later - in 1542. This symbol has another name - the flag of "St. Andrew", and in Russia - "St. Andrew". Why does the Scottish national symbol bear someone's name?
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. He was one of the disciples of Jesus Christ and also preached Christianity. For which the Romans crucified him. But St. Andrew considered himself unworthy to die like Christ, so he was crucified on two pillars that intersected diagonally. Hence the name - "St. Andrew's Cross."
Legend of king angus
Around historical banners there was always a lot of secrets, conjectures, tales and conjectures. And the national flag of Scotland also has its own legend.
So, it all started back in the year 832, during the great battle not far from the modern capital of Scotland - Edinburgh. Then the Scottish army was surrounded by a huge army of Angles, and the chances of victory were minimal. On the night before the decisive battle, King Angus Mack Ferguson appealed to God. He asked for victory over the Angles. That night, he vowed in the face of God that if the Scots defeated, he would declare St Andrew the patron saint of the free Scottish kingdom.
And early in the morning in the blue sky clouds suddenly appeared in the form of a diagonal “St. Andrew's” cross. The Scottish army rejoiced, and the Angles got scared. As a result, the victory remained with King Angus, despite the superiority of the enemy. And the monarch fulfilled his vow given to God - St. Andrew became the patron saint of Scotland, and his symbol adorns the national flag.
And although historians claim that the flag of Scotland appeared only many years later, in 1542, I hope that in this case the truth lies with the legend.
Coat of arms of Scotland
The kings of Scotland also had their own official standard - a ferocious red lion that opened its mouth and released sharp claws on a gold background. This symbol was considered the unofficial flag of the kingdom and soared into the air above the castle only when the monarch was present. Later, this "ferocious lion" became an indispensable link in every royal coat of arms of Scotland.
This symbol was not approved by British law as the official flag of the country. However, later became the national emblem of Scotland.
Anthem of Scotland
There is no official anthem in Scotland. However, there are several applicants for his title.
The first is rightfully considered the work of "The Flower of Scotland" by the Scottish group "The Corries". It is this song that sounds when the Scottish rugby team enters the field.
The second challenger is Scotland the Brave, performed by Cliff Handley.
To date, not one of these songs is recognized as an official anthem. The fact is that the first song does not quite characterize Scotland today, and almost no one knows the text of the second. As a result, the UK autonomous region needs a new modern anthem.
Unofficial characters
In addition to official symbols in Scotland, there are so-called semi-official symbols. This is a white unicorn with a shield, a bagpipe is a national musical instrument, tartan is a Scottish ornament and thistle, which is depicted on banknotes.
Why thistle? It is full in Scotland. This nondescript flower, besides the image on money, is found in all souvenir shops, and, of course, it grows in fields and meadows.
No one knows why the thistle is a symbol of the Scots. But here there is a legend. According to legend, while the Scottish army was sleeping, the enemy quietly crept towards them to cut in a dream. However, enemy troops stepped on a thorny thistle and howled in pain, thereby waking the Scots. The army mobilized after sleep and killed the enemy. In gratitude, the thistle was called the Guardian and became a symbol of Scotland, albeit unofficial.