On the modern political map of the world , 194 states are located. They have their own symbols - emblem, flag and anthem. The history of the creation of these shrines goes deep into the past, and each has its own legend and features. The flag of Switzerland is considered one of the most unusual in the list of states currently existing on the political map. This country is located in Western Europe and occupies a rather small area - only 41,284 square kilometers, but its state symbols are easily recognizable in the world. There are few countries whose shrines depict identical elements, and one of them is Switzerland. The flag and coat of arms of this state have a cross and are made in two colors: white and red.
A bit of history
The Swiss Confederation arose at the end of the 13th century as a union of three territories (Uri, Unterwalden and Schwyz), which united with a defensive purpose. By the end of the 15th century, several more cantons joined the young state, and it defended its independence from Rome. Switzerland is one of the few European powers that does not intervene in major wars and maintains its neutrality. Here are the centers of many international associations. Currently, the country has 26 administrative units (cantons) and two enclaves belonging to Italy and Germany. In Switzerland , four languages are recognized as state languages - Romansh, German, Italian and French.
Flag of switzerland
A square canvas of red color with a white cross in the center is a symbol of this country since the 14th century. The first victory under this flag was won by the Swiss Union during the Battle of Lupine. After this momentous event, the country's position became more solid. The colors of state symbols represent independence, and the cross serves as a reminder of the sacredness of the freedom of their homeland. The officially accepted configuration of the canvas is different: the state flag has the shape of a square, and the trade - in the form of a rectangle. The flag of Switzerland, or rather its shape and elements during its existence, changed, but the colors remained constant.
- In the 15th and 16th centuries the flag canvas had a triangular shape.
- In the 19th century, the white cross consisted of five identical squares.
- Since the end of the 19th century, the length of the rays of the cross has become 1/6 greater than their width.
- The modern flag of Switzerland, the photo of which is presented below, was officially approved in the 19th century.
Coat of arms of Switzerland
The image of the cross on the state symbols of Switzerland personifies the liberation of their land in the same way as the distinctive signs of the crusaders. The coat of arms of this country is a shield of red color, which depicts a white cross. Its official approval took place in December 1889. Currently, each administrative-territorial unit of Switzerland has its own emblem, in addition to the general. The appearance of the cross on the symbols of this country has several versions:
- This element is a symbol of the martyr of St. Mauritius, who was executed for refusing to participate in the reprisal of his co-religionists. He was later counted as a saint, and the place where he died is one of the sacred in Switzerland.
- There is a version that this emblem is borrowed from the banner of the canton of Bern, which dominates the country during the formation of the young state.
- Another version says that the cross was a symbol of the canton of Schwyz, one of the first to join the confederation in the late 19th century.
Anthem of Switzerland
The anthem of this country was written at the end of the 19th century, but was officially adopted only after almost a century and a half. It is based on the poem of the famous poet and journalist Widmer, laid on the music of the church psalm of Alberich Zwissing. This work was first performed by the author himself to residents of the city of Zug in 1841. For a long time, the anthem was not recognized as state, but was performed at all patriotic events of the country. After a large number of votes and referenda, it was officially approved in 1981. To date, the Swiss Psalm has been translated into all languages active in the country.
Interesting Facts
- The flag of Switzerland has an equally famous “descendant” - it is a symbol of the ICRC. Henri Dunant, who was the creator of one of the first societies for helping the wounded at the end of the 19th century, decided to choose the flag of his country as a symbol of his humanitarian organization, only changed the arrangement of colors.
- As part of the UN member countries, only two countries have a non-rectangular flag shape, these are Switzerland (square) and Nepal (a combination of two pennants). During one of the meetings of this organization, when a rectangular canvas of the country was exhibited (it is used exclusively for commercial purposes), Bern protested and succeeded in replacing the shape of the flag.
- The images of the flag and the coat of arms deeply permeate the entire everyday life of the Swiss - they are available on car numbers and local francs.
- Symbols of Switzerland are very often used in the design of souvenirs. The following products are most popular: watches, army knives, manicure sets, cheese and chocolate.