WORLD’S OLDEST FLAG`S FLAG DAY – 2023

STORY

The birthday of the world’s oldest flag was just held in Denmark. There is a captivating tale is behind the Danish flag, also known as the “Dannebrog.” The flag dates back to 1219 making it the world’s oldest flag still in use. 

The event was celebrated all over the country, among them in the old Viking capital Vordingborg, 1 hour south of Copenhagen, where the flag was first founded 814 years ago.

Present was His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary.

Many Danes took part of the celebrations and the Danish spectator Jan Rafn explains:
“I think it’s a great tradition in Denmark that we celebrate the flag, because it gives a history to the country and all the citizens and the country has a tradition to lean on.”

His wife Anne Vollen Rafn adds: “I think it binds us together. It keeps us stronger. And it also bonds all the newcomers to the countries as well. So they can get bound into our traditions and feel like a part of the country they live in.”

In fact the very time the red flag with the white cross was seen was seen in 1109 in France. Danes were living there as vikings.

The cross was actually inspired by the upcoming Templars Knights, which symbolized christian hospitality and helping the sick and weak. The cross later came in many flags in Europe, like the UK, Norway, but also Australia and many more.

The Danish became the national flag in the year 1219, during the tumultuous times of the Middle Ages in Europe. The new Danish King Valdemar II and his troops were locked in a fierce battle against the Estonians. All hope was lost, but miraculously the flag appeared in the sky and gave the Danes the courage and support to win the battle. 

The Dannebrog continues to be a source of immense pride and unity for the Danish people. It adorns government buildings, waves at international events, and symbolizes the nation’s enduring spirit.

Todays Mayor of Vordingborg Michael Seiding Larsen says:
“We say that the white color and our flag is the color of peace and the red is for courage. And that says something about us as Danish people, that we want peace, but we have to do it with courage, to do and to find peace everywhere”.

Jan Rafn, that also is Professor continuous
“The flag in Denmark is the people’s flag. In other countries, it’s more like the government or the state’s flag. So I think it’s embraced by the people in Denmark”.

Specialists say that the red color in the flag ones was one of the finest colors among all, because the plants needed to create the red color were so rare.

Denmark’s monarchy is also the oldest in the world and has played a significant role in Europe’s history and culture.

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