The flag of Switzerland is most recognizable for its striking red square background with a bold, white cross of equal lengths splashed at its center. There are actually only two square sovereign-state flags: the flag of Switzerland and the flag of the Vatican City. That rectangular flag of Switzerland that you sometimes see is only a civil and state ensign used mainly by Swiss ships and boats.
Although the red background of the flag of Switzerland is traditionally square, no such traditional connotations accompanied the white cross. In fact, it wasn’t until 1889 when the dimensions of the cross were formally established: “The coat of arms of the federation is, within a red field, an upright white cross, whose arms of equal length are a sixth longer than their width.” However, since the time of the Old Swiss Confederacy, the flag of Switzerland bore a white cross, albeit with much details than the plain white cross of today.
So how did the flag of Switzerland develop into what it is now? To answer that, we need to take a look at the history of the Swiss people.
The Forest Cantons
The so-called forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden were the founding members of the Old Swiss Confederacy of 1291. According to history, Emperor Frederick II of the German Empire granted the canton of Schwyz the privilege of carrying a white cross, a holy sign, on its banner in 1240. Documents and records reveal that the original white cross was asymmetrical and drawn in great detail with the body of Christ.
The white cross is a symbol of the Emperor as protector of Christianity. The red flag, on the other hand, was a sign of his power over life and death. When the Emperor granted the right to carry these two important symbols to Schwyz, he was granting the three cantons special honor, which included privileges like direct immediacy, as recognition for its resistance against the Habsburg aggression of King Rudolf I.
The Confederacy
Other cantons soon joined the Confederacy, with each one carrying their own flag and banners. However, to identify the allied troops in battles, what we know now as the flag of Switzerland was worn in tunics or as armbands by Swiss soldiers, a custom that is carried on to modern times.
Modern Times
Since 1848, the red flag with the white cross has been used as the national flag of Switzerland. This is largely due to the initiative of General Dufour, who rose to prominence when Switzerland was transformed into the present Confederation from what were previously a mere loose federation of different cantons.
A reversed version of the flag of Switzerland is the flag used by the International Red Cross, an organization founded by Genevan Henri Dunant. The adoption of the red cross on a white background is a commemoration of the organization’s founder.
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Switzerland Flag
... honor to certain cities and regions. This special honor consists of the right to bear a cross on one's coat of arms and on a flag as well as direct immediacy - that is, direct subordination to the emperor without going through the counts. In 1240, one of the founding members of the Old Swiss Confederacy, the region of Schwyz, was granted immediacy and was permitted to carry a red flag. Later in 1289, the region supported King Rudolf of Habsburg in a war against Burgundy. As recognition of their contribution, the emperor granted them the right to represent the crucifixion of Christ and the tools used to torture him. At first, these symbols were painted on parchment and fastened it on the Switzerland flag. Later on, the cross symbol was painted directly on the Switzerland flag itself. For a long time, the Switzerland flag was of this fashion. However, in 1798, the Swiss Revolution broke. Afterwards, much of the old structures of Swiss governance was abolished to...
The Curacao Flag
... symbolizes the five continents of which the local population originated. Curacao celebrates its "Curacao Flag Day" on July 2. It is one of the many "Official Holiday" that Curacao celebrates annually. It is celebration starts with and flag raising ceremony at the Village of Barber and at the Plaza Brion. The day is celebrated with parades, ceremonies and cultural events. Flag Of Switzerland Some events are held at Otrobanda. There is also a historical Curacao flag that many experts believe is doubtful. It is said to be very much alike with the Dutch flag only it has a Coat of Arms in the center (which is not the official coat of arms of Curacao. The coat of arms that is used on this particular flag is a ship. More specifically it is a ship of the Netherlands West India Company. Experts say that this particular flag can't be seen on any flag book, which makes is very doubtful. You can obtain a Curacao flag on the internet. There are lots of variations of the...
Bahamas Flag
The Bahamas Flag was officially hoisted on July 10, 1973, the date of the nation's independence from the United Kingdom. The Bahamas flag was a result of a local contest for a new national flag, no single entry was chosen though but instead several entries were combined to create the new flag. The Bahamas Flag overall colors are aquamarine blue, gold, and black. Much symbolism is associated with colors according to ancient and heraldic traditions. The Bahamas flag gold color represents the Flag Of Switzerland sands of the nation, blue representing the waters that surround the Bahamas, and the black triangle stands for unity. From the left half of the flag (viewer's left side) is called the Hoist that pictures a black equilateral triangle that comes in from the left edge of the flag. The flag's facial appearance is of three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine blue (top), gold (center), and aquamarine blue (bottom). The Bahamas Flag etiquette is very firm and is...
American Flag T Shirt
... not caring about the lives of American troops, than you should consider another form of attire. The thing is, nowadays, American flag t shirts are more widespread than Flag Of Switzerland real patriots. I will even go one farther than that. I would say that, as the number of American flag t shirts spreads, be they sold over the internet, bought at the mall, or made from scratch at home, the number of patriots decreases. You see, the flag is just a symbol of America. Real patriots do not usually like to wear an American flag t shirt because the symbol is less important to them than the thing. Waving flags does nothing for our country, nor does putting them on our bodies. What does help far more than every American flag t shirt that has ever been made, is daring to stand up against the...
The British Virgin Islands Flag
... flanked on either side by a vertical column of six lamps above and a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILANTE, which means "Be watchful". The British Virgin Islands flag and the badge were adopted in the 15th of November 1960. The badge of the British Virgin Islands comprises a green shield charged with twelve golden oil lamps with red flames and a female figure. The female figure is St. Ursula, patron saint of the British Virgin Islands attired in white and wearing sandals, carrying one of those lamps. The eleven lamps on the badge of the British Virgin Islands flag which surround the figure of St. Ursula each represent 1000 of the 11,000 Virgins who, according to the legend, were martyred along with St. Ursula. The figure of St. Ursula and the lamps are surrounded by a garland...
Switzerland Tours
... reserves. Well, that's just wrong. There are many Switzerland tours that offer all the ins and outs without necessarily burning a hole in your pocket. Here are a few websites that offer Switzerland tours well within budget: SwitzerlandTours.net Switzerland Tours Net offers three kinds of tours: by tourist destinations, by tour packages, by adventure sports, and by hotels in Switzerland. Visit places like Geneva, Zurich, Lugano, Locarno, Lucerne, and St. Moritz if you choose the Switzerland tour by destination. If you already have an idea exactly what you want from your Switzerland vacation, perhaps you can find what you're looking for in their Switzerland Tour Packages, which include Honeymoon in Switzerland, Peaks of the World, Switzerland Rail Adventure, Glacier Express in Winter, and many more. TourVacationsToGo.com The site features several first Flag Of Switzerland class ($80 - $275) and budget ($45 - $130) Switzerland tours and the occasional deluxe ($100 - $400) and luxury...
Map Of Switzerland
... of countries in the world. It offers an interactive map of Switzerland that allows you to zoom in and out using your left and right mouse button. You can also drag the map around and let your mouse pointer hover around an icon to show extra information. If you want to get a map of Switzerland, particularly of a specific street in a city, this website is also a good resource. There is a search tool that allows you find your street and its number, the city and zip code. And if you are looking to avoid areas of heavy traffic, places where you can find great restaurants or entertainment centers, then just click on the corresponding boxes provided in the website's search tool. LonelyPlanet.com Whenever you need travel information about a particular destination, one of the first places to visit is...
Travel Information In Switzerland
... to avoid incurring extra expenses of looking for other hotels if the hotel you like is fully booked. Switzerland's Currency Swiss franc is the official currency of the country, abbreviated as CHF. Banknotes issued denominations are 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 CHF. Look up the current rate of your currency with Francs before your time of travel to have a general idea of how much everything will cost for you. Switzerland Transportation There are more than thirteen-thousand miles of train, boat, and bus routes that Swiss transportation serves. Train is the most convenient and efficient means of traveling within the Switzerland with rail passes obtainable to help settle the Flag Of Switzerland cost of this part of your Switzerland vacation. Dining in Swiss Restaurants and Tipping Lunches are most often affordable than the same meal during dinner. Seek the plate of the...
Fiji Flag
... long association of the country with Great Flag Of Switzerland Britain; the blue field of the flag represents the islands surrounding Pacific Ocean; and the coat of arms placed just a bit lower than the Union Jack on its right. The coat of arms has five significant figures, with the golden British lion that holds a coconut on top of all other figures, and below it are four panels that show a sugar cane, palm tree, dove of peace, and bananas. There are four ensigns used in Fiji aside from its national flag; the Merchant Ensign, the Government Ensign, the Naval Ensign, and the Civil Air Ensign. The Merchant Ensign is exactly the same as that of the national Fiji flag except for the red field instead of pale-blue; the Government Ensign is also similar but with a dark blue field; same with the Naval Ensign but...
A Flight to Paris
... matter what part in the world you belong, there will always be a way for you to visit the City of Lights. The most popular and quickest way to travel to the west coast if you are based on the east hemisphere is the airplane. Credits to the Wright brothers who invented this technology that a lot are continually seeking for measures on how to upgrade the standards. Below is a list of flights to Paris from different crafts originating from their represented country. * If you are from Dublin, you ought to take a flight to Paris via Aer Lingus which is the official flag carrier of Ireland. It has three schedules to choose from with less than two and half hours of travel time. * If you are from Mexico City, you ought to take a flight to Paris via Aero Mexico which is the official flag carrier of Mexico....
Skiing In Switzerland
... planning on going skiing in Switzerland, consider our list of top most visited ski resorts: Zermatt Hugging the foot of the most famous mountain in Switzerland, the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a car-free resort that offers skiing in Switzerland among various things. The resort combines the beautiful scenery of an Alpine village with the sophistication of a prime holiday destination, making it one of the top places to visit when you go to Switzerland. The Zermatt provides its guests with a modern lift system, practical holiday apartments, attractive hotels and friendly hosts. In addition to the 1,620-3,882 meters of skiing right at its doorstep, the Zermatt may also prove to be a great starting point for skiing in Italy with no less than 62 mountain trains providing you access across the border. Andermatt-Gotthard For the most reliable areas for snow cover in Switzerland, Andermatt in the Ursern Valley is the place to go. The Valley is surrounded by the magnificent mountain passes...
Switzerland Chocolate
... regions before the end of the century. Places like Vevey, Lausanne, Morges, and the Blenio Valley in canton Ticino were the first sites of Switzerland chocolate factories with the first chocolate shop opening in Bern in 1792. How Switzerland Chocolate Goes From Tree to Sweet Switzerland chocolate comes from the beans of the pod-bearing cacao tree. After harvest and removing the beans from the pods, they are left to ferment for some days in order to remove some of the bitterness. Fermentation is followed Flag Of Switzerland by sun-drying, after which the beans are crushed, their husks removed. Then, the beans are roasted, grinded, and liquefied to produce a thick paste, known as "chocolate liquor." By the end of the whole process, the Switzerland chocolate mixer has three ingredients...
Lugano Switzerland
... enough to tour on foot. However, if you want to ride, cycling is a wonderful alternative. Circle the shore of Lago di Lugano for a picturesque view of the southern Alps with its combination of Alpine and Mediterranean flora. Afterwards, if you are up for more beautiful sights, consider this list of the top attractions in Lugano Switzerland: Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli The church houses the magnificent frescoes dating back to the 16th century by Flag Of Switzerland Bernardino Luini. Located just a few hundred yards from the busy highway, the Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli remarkably exudes a sense of calm. Gandria For one of the most picturesque places in Lugano Switzerland, go to the tiny enclave of Gandria on the eastern side of Lake Lugano. A new roadway has been constructed along the hillside just above...
Brienz Switzerland
... white tops like icing on blueberry muffins and waterfalls gushing merrily down rocky crags. Getting There Switzerland has one of the best - if not the best - transit network in all of Europe so getting to the place and getting around is no trouble at all. However, if you want the surest way to penetrate Switzerland's mountainous landscape, consider traveling by car. On the other Flag Of Switzerland hand, if you want to try the famous Swiss trains, a lot of them intersect with private excursion networks, thus allowing you a comfortable mode of transport as you enjoy the visually stimulating sights on your way to Brienz Switzerland. Another option you have is the yellow postbus. Sturdy and reliable, these buses follow its appointed rounds. If you are...
Switzerland
... a central plateau, composed of plains, large lakes, and rolling hills. Language Switzerland has four official languages - German, French, Italian, and the little known "Romansh," which is a close relative of Latin. So no, there is no such thing as a "Swiss language." You can do better with English as most Swiss people speak it. However, it always best to learn at least one of the languages that the locals speak. In this case, German is your best bet. There are many schools and institutions that offer courses in the German language as well as other languages of the world. Getting There There are three major airports that service international flights. These are found in Geneva, Zurich and Basel. You can also get in the country through any of the smaller airports in Bern and Lugano. Switzerland's Flagcarrier is called SWISS, a member of Flag Of Switzerland Star Alliance and successor of the famous Swissair. Another mode of entry to Switzerland is...