Flag of Norway facts for kids
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| Use | National flag |
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| Adopted | 13 July 1821 |
The flag of Norway is a special symbol for the country. It was officially chosen on 13 July 1821. This flag has a blue cross with thin white borders, called a "fimbriated" cross. This cross is placed on a bright red background.
Contents
The Norwegian Flag: A Symbol of a Nation
A country's flag is much more than just a piece of cloth. It's a powerful symbol that represents the nation, its history, and its people. The Norwegian flag, with its unique design, tells a story about Norway's past and its connection to other Nordic countries. It's a way for Norwegians to show their pride and unity.
What Do the Colors and Cross Mean?
The design of the Norwegian flag is very meaningful. It features a Nordic cross, which is a common symbol on flags in Northern Europe. This cross is often linked to Christianity and is found on the flags of countries like Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.
The colors of the flag – red, white, and blue – are also important. These colors are often seen as symbols of freedom and independence. They are used in the flags of many democratic countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. For Norway, these colors connect them to their Nordic neighbors and also to the ideas of liberty.
How the Flag Was Chosen
Before 1821, Norway used different flags. For a long time, Norway was part of Denmark, so it used the Danish flag, which is red with a white cross. Later, when Norway joined with Sweden, it used a common flag with Swedish symbols.
However, Norwegians wanted their own unique flag to show their independence. A man named Fredrik Meltzer designed the current flag in 1821. He combined the red and white from the old Danish flag with blue. The blue color was added to represent Norway's connection to Sweden, as blue is a prominent color in the Swedish flag. This design was a clever way to show both Norway's history and its new alliances.
When and Where You'll See the Flag
The Norwegian flag is flown on many special occasions throughout the year. It's especially visible on national holidays, like Norway's Constitution Day on May 17th. On this day, people celebrate with parades, traditional clothes, and, of course, many flags.
You'll also see the flag flying outside government buildings, schools, and homes. It's a common sight at sporting events, showing support for Norwegian teams. Ships sailing under the Norwegian flag also proudly display it, representing the country on the seas.
Images for kids
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A depiction originally from around 1370 of a Nordic king holding the historic emblems and coats of arms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
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The first war flag of independent Norway, introduced on 27 February 1814. It was replaced on 7 March 1815 by a common war flag for Sweden and Norway.
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The national flag of Norway during the World Expo in Paris (1937).
See also
In Spanish: Bandera de Noruega para niños
