Why are there two flags for Scotland?

The king vowed that if with the saint’s help, he gained the victory, then Andrew would thereafter be the patron saint of Scotland. The Scots did win, and the Saltire became the flag of Scotland.

What does the Scottish flag represent?

The flag of Scotland is a white X-shaped cross (a saltire), which represents the cross of the patron saint of Scotland, Saint Andrew on a blue sky. The flag is called the Saltire or the Saint Andrew’s Cross.

What is the cross on the Scottish flag called?

St Andrew’s Cross
The Flag of Scotland, also known as St Andrew’s Cross or the Saltire, is essentially just a white cross on a blue rectangle. Its design may seem fairly simple, but the significance of it is steeped in rich history and it is one of the oldest flags in the world still in use today.

What does the Scottish lion rampant represent?

The Lion Rampant is the Royal Standard of the King or Queen of Scots and is the personal banner of the monarchs. The Lion Rampant flag depicts a lion, the king of beasts, rearing up with three of its clawed paws outstretched as if in battle.

What is the history of the Scottish flag?

The St Andrew’s Cross or Saltire is Scotland’s national flag. Tradition has it that the flag, the white saltire on a blue background, the oldest flag in Europe and the Commonwealth, originated in a battle fought in East Lothian in the Dark Ages. It is believed that the battle took place in the year 832AD.

Is the Scottish flag the oldest in the world?

For most countries, the date their flag was adopted is obvious, but for others it is disputable. The Flag of Scotland originated in 832 AD, during a battle fought in the dark ages. It is known as Europe’s oldest flag.

When did Scotland change its flag?

The saltire appears to have become the official national flag in 1385 when the Parliament of Scotland agreed that Scottish soldiers should wear the white cross as a distinguishing mark. In such times flags and banners were important to identify opposing forces in heat of battle.

Is the Scottish flag the oldest?

The Flag of Scotland originated in 832 AD, during a battle fought in the dark ages. It is known as Europe’s oldest flag. Often referred to as The Scotland Saltire, Saltire, or St Andrew’s Cross, the Flag of Scotland uses an azure background. Its design is bold and unique with a simple blue field and white saltire.

Why did St Andrew get crucified?

As a dedicated follower of Jesus, Andrew preached about Christ around the Black Sea and through Greece. It was in Greece that he was told to stop spreading the teachings by the governor Aegeas as he still believed in the Roman gods. When he refused, Andrew was sentenced to death by crucifixion in the city of Patras.

Is there a Scottish dragon?

An early recorded Scottish royal standard featured a dragon, which was used at the Battle of the Standard in 1138 by David I (1124–1153).

Why is the St Andrew’s Cross the flag of Scotland?

The St Andrew’s Cross or Saltire is Scotland’s national flag. The king vowed that if, with the saint’s help, he gained the victory, then Andrew would thereafter be the patron saint of Scotland. The Scots did win, and the Saltire became the flag of Scotland.

Why is the St Andrew’s Cross associated with Scotland?

The legend surrounding Scotland’s association with the Saint Andrew’s Cross was related by Walter Bower and George Buchanan, who claimed that the flag originated in a 9th-century battle, where Óengus II led a combined force of Picts and Gaels to victory over the Angles, led by Æthelstan.

Why was the Southern Cross the only Confederate battle flag?

One of its virtues was that, unlike the Stars and Bars, the Southern Cross was next to impossible to confuse with the Stars and Stripes in battle. The Confederate battle flag eventually developed wide acceptance throughout the Confederacy, but it was by no means the only battle flag.

What is the Confederate flag called?

The best-known of all Confederate flags the battle flag is often erroneously confused with the national flag of the Confederacy. The battle flag features the cross of St. Andrew (the apostle was martyred by being crucified on an X-shaped cross), and is commonly called the “Southern Cross.”

What is another name for the flag of Scotland?

For other uses, see Saltire. The flag of Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: bratach na h-Alba; Scots: Banner o Scotland, also known as St Andrew’s Cross or the Saltire) is the national flag of Scotland, which consists of a white saltire defacing a blue field.