Swiss Flag Day

Swiss flagThe Swiss flag was officially adopted on December 12, 1889. The flag of Switzerland is a square cloth of red color with a white cross in the center. The flag has a square shape, which is unusual for European flags.

Among European countries, the Swiss Confederation has the most concise symbolism: a white shortened cross on a red shield. This is the common coat of arms of twenty-six self-governing regions, which are commonly called in French cantons. During the seven centuries of the existence of independent Switzerland, many different cantonal coats of arms were replaced, while the Union emblem looked simple and changed slightly.

Initially, the common emblem of the Swiss were simple red banners and shields. The white cross on the red shield first became the hallmark of the Swiss riflemen in 1339. This happened at the Battle of Laupen, when neighboring feudal rulers again tried to conquer Switzerland. In those days, the ends of the cross reached the edges of the shield.