Eagles, Pine martens, Firearms and Shipwrecks – Interesting Emblems on Flags

 

Eagles, Pine martens, Firearms and Shipwrecks – Interesting Emblems on Flags

Every flag in the world has some sort of reasoning behind its design, incorporating emblems which depict the values and ideas of various countries. However, many feature symbols which may make little sense to you or me. This blog gives a run through of four of the more ‘interesting’ emblems located on flags, and why they are there.

1) Albania and the two headed eagle



The two headed eagle has been used since Ancient times as an emblem for fortitude, nationalism and empire. The symbol of the two headed eagle appears on many local and national coats of arms, and also on the national flag of Serbia. However, the flag which draws the most attention to this symbol is Albania, with it proudly located in the centre of the flag on a simple red background. The two heads of the eagle are to represent the northern and southern extremes of the country. Additionally, according to local folklore, the word Shqipëria, which is the Albanian word for Albania, literally translates to land of the eagles.

2) Croatia and the running pine marten


The stripes on the Croatian flag, and the checkerboard pattern represent the traditional colours and coat of arms of the country and its kingdoms. Located above the shield are five regional coats of arms, of Croatia, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Istria and Slavonia. In the coats of arms of Slavonia, there is pictured a running pine marten (a smallish carnivorous mammal in the weasel family, or as I like to call it – a tree ferret). In Croatia, the skins of pine martens were used as a significant source of revenue. The wealth from the pine martens skins was major enough that the term ‘kuna,’ which is the Croatian currency to this day, literally translates to ‘marten.’ Therefore, the Slavonian emblem represents both the country’s former industry, and is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

3) Mozambique – Guns N’ Hoes


Firearms are generally not chosen to be the centrepiece of national flags, assumingly because most of the world will view them as an emblem for hate, war and danger, but yet some countries still do choose to use them. The national flags of Bolivia, Haiti and Guatemala all include some form of weaponry, however they are slightly less obvious than the AK-47 assault rifle placed proudly within the flag of Mozambique. The flag of Mozambique was adapted in 1983 and is based on the liberating movement which allowed for the county’s independence. The rifle is an emblem of defence and vigilance, whilst the hoe is an emblem of agriculture. Behind these symbols lies an open book, an emblem for education – overall, quite the juxtaposition of chosen symbols.

4) Bermuda and the shipwreck


Although a shipwreck may not seem like a very normal thing to feature on a flag, it is depicted clearly within the crest of the national flag of Bermuda. The ship pictured is a specific ship named the Sea Venture, which operated between England and colonial North America in the early 17th century. In 1609, during one of its sailings across the Atlantic, which was bringing settlers and food to the new English colony Jamestown in Virginia, a hurricane stuck which forced Admiral Sir George Somers to intentionally steer towards the coast of Bermuda. Surprisingly, everyone on-board survived the hurricane, despite the ship being wrecked at the reefs of Gate’s Bay. Everyone on the ship came ashore, and some were asked to stay to retain British claim of the newfound land, starting the first human settlement of Bermuda. Therefore, this surprising symbol in an emblem of the beginnings of this settlement.

Alice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. JeanieSeptember 30, 2021 at 5:03 AM

    You could do a wee programme. Like Sheldon!

    ReplyDelete
  2. BridgetSeptember 30, 2021 at 6:50 AM

    Loads or research Alice! And really interesting reading

    ReplyDelete

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