Flag of Denmark facts for kids

The national flag of Denmark, the Dannebrog

The Flag of Denmark, known as the Dannebrog, is red with a white Scandinavian cross. This special flag is the oldest national flag still in use anywhere in the world!

The Legend of the Dannebrog

People in Denmark have a famous story about how their flag came to be. The legend says that the Dannebrog fell from the sky during a big battle in 1219. This fight happened in Estonia. The Danish soldiers were losing the battle and felt very tired.

Suddenly, the red flag with a white cross appeared in the sky. Seeing this amazing sign gave the Danish warriors new hope and energy. They fought harder and ended up winning the battle! This story makes the flag a symbol of courage and divine help for many Danes.

The Real History of the Flag

While the legend is exciting, historians believe the Dannebrog from 1219 was actually a special banner used during a crusade. A crusade was a religious war. The war in 1219 was against the people of Estonia, who were not Christians at the time. So, the flag was likely a symbol of the Christian fighters.

Celebrating the Flag's Birthday

The battle where the flag supposedly appeared happened on June 15th. Because of this, Danes celebrate the flag's birthday every year on this date. It's a day to remember the flag's long history and its special meaning.

What the Dannebrog Means to Danes

In many countries, the national flag is mostly a symbol of the government or the state. But in Denmark, the Dannebrog is much more a symbol of the people themselves. It is used for all sorts of happy private events.

You will see the Dannebrog flying at birthday parties, weddings, and during Christmas celebrations. For Danes, the Dannebrog is a sign of happiness and celebration. It is not mainly a symbol of patriotism, but rather of joy and togetherness.

Images for kids

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  The Danish flag at the medal ceremony for the men's team pursuit at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing

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  Dannebrog falling from the sky during the Battle of Lindanise, 15 June 1219. Painted by Christian August Lorentzen in 1809. Original located at Statens Museum for Kunst, Denmark.

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  Gelre Armorial (fol. 55v), the entry for the king of Denmark showing the white-on-red cross banner

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  Danish soldiers return to Copenhagen after the Battle of Fredericia (1849), a Danish victory against German insurgents in Holstein and Schleswig in the First Schleswig War (1894 painting by Otto Bache)

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  Cigarette card of 1890, depicting the royal standard of the Danish West Indies

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  Seal of Eric of Pomerania as king of the Kalmar union, 1398. A small Dannebrog banner is depicted as held by the three Danish lions in the top-left corner.

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  Standard of Frederik the Crown Prince of Denmark flying at Amalienborg

See also

In Spanish: Bandera de Dinamarca para niños