Contrary to popular belief, England's flag is not the Union Jack. The Union Jack is the flag for the entire country of the United Kingdom. England's flag is actually the Cross of St. George. This flag has a white background with a red cross in the middle.
The Cross of St. George is the most obvious flag in many provincial and territorial coat of arms. This flag traces back to
the time of the legend of St. George, making it one of the earliest emblems of England. St. George was a patron saint in the time of the crusades in England and was one of the most famous Christian figures in England. However, St. George was beheaded for protesting against the Roman emperor because of the persecutions against Christians. Through his protests, he became very popular with Christians for his bravery by standing up for the defenceless Christian faith. The red cross was then associated with St. George and became known as an emblem, not a flag, across the country during the reign of Edward I in 1274. Soldiers also wore this cross during the reign of Richard I and the banner also became a symbol for the Royal Navy. The cross was given the honour as the national flag in the 16th century and, in 1545, the flag made it's debut at sea.
Websites used:
http://englishpassport.org/2011/05/20/flag-of-england-the-cross-of-st-george/
Wow, that's very interesting Andrea! Until I researched about Australia's flag, I had always thought that the Union Jack was England's flag. What's also very interesting between Australia's flag and England's flag is that the Cross of St. George is featured on the Australian flag as part of the Union Jack that represents Australia's ties to England, and all of the United Kingdom.
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting Andrea. England is a very cool place. It is almost as cool as China. What is the United Kingdom? Is it a country or a group of countries( like Europe) It would help a lot for future reading of your blogs. I cannot wait for your next post.
ReplyDeleteI always thought that flag was the symbol of the United Kingdom. Two out of the tree colors on France’s flag are there because of Saints. They must be really respected in Europe. Why are the colors on your flag red and white? Are there any particular stories behind these colors?
ReplyDeleteWow Andrea, that's is very interesting! I didn't know that that was England's flag, I always assumed it was the Union Jack one too! I can see that England's flag has a great story?meaning behind it! My country, Spain, has a myth about the colours being based on bullfighting. The yellow represented the sand and the red showed the blood shed during the fight. Wow! 1545! Spain's flag was made official in only 1981! I'm interested in learning even more about England!
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