Austria flag
The flag of Austria, the national symbol of the country, has a rectangular shape, its colors deserve special attention. There are three horizontal stripes on it. The top and bottom stripes are red, with a white stripe between them.
This color is not accidental. The upper and lower red stripes symbolize the blood that the true patriots of the country shed while actively fighting for the free life and independence of the Republic of Austria. The stripe of white represents the freedom that the brave people of Austria have won. In addition, the white stripe indicated that the monarchical regime in the country had been overthrown..
This interpretation of the colors of the Austrian flag is not the official version. Apart from this version, there is an official meaning of the colors of the Austrian flag. Thus, the white stripe symbolizes the Danube, which crosses the entire territory of Austria from east to west. There is even a legend about the appearance of the flag. It is said that the flag was invented by the Duke of Austria Leopold V after one of the Crusades. According to legend, during the battle, the duke was dressed in a snow-white uniform. But as a result of the fierce battle that took place at Ptolemazine, the whole uniform was stained with blood. And only in the place where the duke had a belt, there was a white stripe. The blood did not penetrate under it at all. Apparently, the duke was too impressed by such a combination of colors that when inventing the flag, he used just such a color..
As you can see, the flag of this color appeared long before the overthrow of the monarchical regime in Austria and, of course, before the start of the struggle of the Austrian people for an independent existence. But such versions of the interpretation of the meaning of the flag are the most common in our time..
Also noteworthy is the fact that the flag of Austria is the oldest flag in Europe. Only one flag of the same age is the flag of Denmark. The national symbol of Austria has come a long way to its official and unshakable recognition. At first he was accepted. It was 1919. Then it was decided to cancel it. This event happened in 1938. As a state symbol, the flag was restored again in 1945.
The laws do not specify what aspect ratio the flag should have, so you can find the Austrian flag of different lengths and widths. But traditionally it is considered to be the correct ratio of 2: 3. The main thing is that the stripes are of the same width..
