The Nordic Cross Flag, Nordic Cross, or Scandinavian Cross is a pattern of flags usually associated with the flags of the Scandinavian countries of which it originated. All of the Nordic countries have adopted such flags. The cross design, which represents Christianity, is depicted extending to the edges of the flag with the vertical part of the cross shifted to the hoist side, rather than centred on the flag. All Scandinavian flags may be flown as gonfalons as well.
The first flag with the design was the Danish Dannebrog; thereafter, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and some of their subdivisions used this as inspiration for their own flags. The Norwegian flag was the first Nordic cross flag with three colours. Though the flags share this pattern, they have individual histories and symbolism.
Some of the flags in this list do not have official status. Also, note that flag proportions may vary between the different flags and sometimes even between different versions of the same flag.
Read more about Nordic Cross Flag: Flags of The Nordic Countries, Flags of Germany, Flags of The United Kingdom, Flags of Estonia, Flags of Latvia, Flags of Ethnic or Linguistic Groups, Flags Elsewhere That Feature The Nordic Cross or Similar Design, Non-Nordic Cross Flags of Areas Associated With The Nordic Countries, Image Gallery
Famous quotes containing the words cross and/or flag:
“In ancient times—’twas no great loss—
They hung the thief upon the cross:
But now, alas!—I say’t with grief—
They hang the cross upon the thief.”
—Anonymous. “On a Nomination to the Legion of Honour,” from Aubrey Stewart’s English Epigrams and Epitaphs (1897)
“There’s an enduring American compulsion to be on the side of the angels. Expediency alone has never been an adequate American reason for doing anything. When actions are judged, they go before the bar of God, where Mom and the Flag closely flank His presence.”
—Jonathan Raban (b. 1942)