Why do Scandinavian countries have crosses on their flags?

The Scandinavia cross flag originated as a symbol of Christianity and was used on banners during war. The Kalmar Union, which was the kingdom that united Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, as well as parts of Finland between 1397 – 1523, adopted a flag with a red cross and yellow body.

Why do Norway and Denmark have similar flags?

When Sweden broke away from the union in 1523, they designed their own flag in the same fasion, though with the colors of yellow and blue. When Norway became independent in 1905, they had designed their flag to honor their past unions with both Denmark and Sweden, using both countries’ flag colors: blue, red and white.

What country is blue with red cross?

Flag of Iceland

Use	Civil flag and ensign
Proportion	18:25
Adopted	17 June 1944
Design	A blue field with the white-edged red Nordic cross that extends to the edges; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side. In Blazon, “Azure, a cross gules fimbriated argent”.
Designed by	Matthías Þórðarson

Is Iceland still owned by Denmark?

The union came to an end in 1944. The modern flag of Iceland, which was adopted in 1918 when Iceland gained independence from Denmark. It was officially recognised in the Law of the National Flag of Icelanders and the State Arms in 1944 when Iceland became a republic.

What is the origin of the Nordic cross on the flag?

Nordic flag designs very similar to Denmark’s, Sweden’s, and Norway’s national flags were proposed as Germany’s national flags in both 1919 and 1948, after World War I and World War II, respectively. Today, the Nordic cross is a feature in some city and district flags or coats of arms.

Why does Denmark have a cross on its flag?

Legend states that a red cloth with the white cross simply fell from the sky in the middle of the 13th-century Battle of Valdemar, after which the Danes were victorious. As a badge of divine right, Denmark flew its cross in the other Scandinavian countries it ruled and as each nation gained independence, they incorporated the Christian symbol.

What countries have flags in the Nordic countries?

Flags of the Nordic countries. 1 Denmark. Flag of Denmark (1748) State flag of Denmark (17th century) Naval ensign of Denmark (17th century). Note the darker kraprød colour (1939). 2 Finland. 3 Iceland. 4 Norway. 5 Sweden.

Which countries have the cross on their national flags?

The Christian cross, for instance, is one of the oldest and most widely used symbols in the world, and many European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Greece and Switzerland, adopted and currently retain the Christian cross on their national flags. ^ Andrew Evans (2008). Iceland. Bradt.