The Flag of Switzerland - Description of the Swiss Flag
As the above picture of the Swiss Flag indicates the overall background is Red
The description of the Swiss Flag is as follows:
Red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the center that does not extend to the edges of the flag
According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the Swiss flag represent the following:
White - peace and honesty
Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour
The basic style shown in the picture of the Swiss flag is described as a Cross reflecting the central design of the flag pattern
All Flag pictures depict flags flying, from the viewer's point of view, from left to right
The shape and flag ratio of the Swiss flag is described as 2:3 ( length 1½ times the height )
The lefthalf of the flag ( viewer's left side ) is called the Hoist
The upper left quarter of the flag is called the Canton
The right half of the flag is called the Fly
The Meaning & History of the Swiss Flag
The flag is based on that of the Canton of Schwyz which derive from the Holy Roman Empire
The Swiss flag traditionally stands for freedom, honour and fidelity
The Swiss flag was adopted in 1889
Flag Terminology - Did you Know ?
The design and description uses specific flag terminology based on Heraldic principles
Animal blazons should always appear with the heads facing the flag - staff side
The Study of the Flags is called Vexillology
Your interest in flags makes you a Vexillologist!
Increase your knowledge - Play the Flag Quiz
Flag History & Evolution:
The idea of flying a flag grew from the requirements of ancient warfare and the battlefield
Shields were painted with emblems to identify Friend or Foe
Warriors needed to know where their leaders were - the custom of carrying a pole was adopted
An emblem such as a shield, animal or religious device was attached to the pole for identification
The emblems were also used for identity and to cover suits of armour - Coats of Arms were born
These emblems were the forerunners of modern flags
The Romans were the first to use a cloth flag - they were square and fastened to cross bars at the end of spears - the idea of fastening a flag to the side of a pole soon followed
The strict rules of Heraldry are still used when designing an emblem and creating a modern flag
Swiss Flag Etiquette
Swiss Flag etiquette is very strict and is is essential that Flag protocols and rules are followed correctly
Basic Flag Etiquette applies to all nations, including Swiss as follows:
Etiquette relating to the order of precedence for the flag
National Flag of Swiss
State Flag of Swiss
Military Flag of Swiss (in order of creation date)
Other Flag of Swiss
The United Nations uses alphabetical order when presenting a national flag including the Swiss Flag. Their flag etiquette ensures that no one country's flag has precedence over another country's flag
The National flag of Swiss should never be flown above another national flag on the same staff as this would suggest superiority, or conversely, inferiority of one flag, or Nation, over another
The Swiss flag should never be allowed to drag along the ground
A tattered or faded flag of Swiss should be removed and replaced with a new flag
Due care and consideration must be taken to ensure that the Swiss flag is always flown the correct way up
A Flag of Swiss, when in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning in private with all due care and respect
Terminology & Etiquette in Swiss Flag display
Hoist - the act or function of raising the Swiss flag, as on a rope
Half Staff or Half Mast - the Swiss flag is hoisted to half of the potential height of the flag pole to denote grief and mourning
Performed by first raising the Swiss flag to the top, then lowering the Swiss Flag halfway
Distress - denoted by flying the Swiss flag upside-down
Manner of hoisting - The Swiss flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously
No disrespect should be shown to the Swiss flag
The Swiss flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit the Flag to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way
The Swiss flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing on the flag of any nature
The Swiss flag should be hoisted first and lowered last
International Flag relating to Swiss Flag usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace
We hope that the presentation of facts and information regarding Swiss Flag Etiquette has provided a useful resource
Switzerland
Location:
Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy
Land Size of Switzerland : 39,770 sq km
Climate / Weather of Switzerland : temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers
Swiss Population : 7,450,867 (July 2004 est.)
Swiss Capital City: Bern
Swiss GDP: $239.8 billion (2003 est.)
Main Industries : machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments
Bronze and Iron Age - The emergence of the Celts across Europe
400BC - By this time the ancient culture of the Celts had settled in many European countries including Austria, Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Western Germany, Northern Spain, Turkey and Hungary
The Celts were people from various tribes and were called Galli by the Romans and Galatai or Keltoi by the Greeks. These terms all had one meaning in common - barbarian
It is from the greek Keltoi that Celt is derived
Despite the name of Barbarian the Celtic society was based almost entirely on pastoralism and the raising of cattle or sheep
15 BC The Romans had begun to extend their empire. Gallia (in English Gaul) is the Roman name for the region of Europe occupied by the Celts. The word Gaul commonly refers to a Celt inhabitant of that region in ancient times
224 - 220 BC - Rome conquered the Celts
390 BC - The Celts sacked Rome
280 BC - The Celts sacked many Greek cities
390 BC - The Celts sacked Rome
50-100AD - The spread of Christianity
476 AD The Roman Empire collapsed
Middle Ages - Various different cultures emerged in the lands of the Celts and the history of each country changed accordingly
The above information provides a concise background to the Ancient Austrian civilisations
Concise History of Switzerland & its Flag
The Holy Roman Empire dates from 1157 and its territories originally included Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, eastern France, the Low Countries, and parts of Italy. The rulers of the Empire were primarily German
1200s The Habsburg family gained control of much of Switzerland
1499 Swiss forces defeated the forces of the Holy Roman Empire. Switzerland won its complete independence from the empire
Early 1500s The Swiss established a policy of not taking sides in European wars
1798 French Revolution and the French armies set up the Helvetia Republic
1863 Jean Henru Dunant founded the Red Cross in Geneva
1914 - 1918 World War I - Switzerland declared its neutrality
1939 - 1945 World War II - Switzerland declared its neutrality
"Around the World in 80 minutes!"
A combination of information regarding a Nation's flag, History, Geography and Current Events provides an accurate snapshot of the evolution of each country
In just a short period of time this concise information with specific facts will improve your overall understanding of the great countries of the World
A useful Educational Resource accessed from the Index
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The Swiss Flag and Nation
We hope that the presentation of facts and information regarding the Swiss Flag and Country has provided a useful educational resource. To improve your knowledge of Flags and Vexillology still further check out the Flags and Nations Index and test your knowledge with our interactive, multi-choice, picture-based Flag Trivia Quiz Game - it's fast and it's fun! If you answer all questions correctly you will earn the right to enter the Vexillologist Hall of Fame!
