Norway Flag

The flag of Norway was adopted in 1821. It is composed of a blue Scandinavian cross outlined in white, on a red background. Until 1814, Norway and Denmark were united, and it is therefore the Dannebrog, the Danish flag, which was adopted, and floated on Norway. A small time independent, then reattached to Sweden, Norway saw its flag change quite often during next years : the Swedish flag was then taken as a basis, even if a particular item was always reminding that this was Norway’s one. In 1821, Frederik Meltzer, then a prominent member of the Storting (Norwegian national assembly) proposed that flag. Its symbolism is strong, because it takes both elements of the past, but also of independence. Indeed, the red and white cross clearly refer to Denmark’s flag, while the addition of the blue cross is a reminiscent of Swedish one. But at the same time, these colours are strong reference to those worn by the newly independent countries (or who have passed their popular revolutions) : France, USA, Netherlands .... We're both on the basis of independence affirmed, but also a reminder to the people of origins of the country, which is generally very important for the Scandinavian people.