World’s Oldest Flags: Denmark
This article presents some interesting facts on one of the world's oldest flags. Hoisted on Danish flag poles for sale and other similar objects, the national flag of Denmark has been around for a number of centuries. The original form of the Danish cross was a square flag with an equal-armed cross. This was the first depicted in the royal arms of King Valdemar IV Atterdag (1340 to 1375), although according to folk legend it dates from the Battle of Lyndanisse in 1219, when it is supposed to have fallen from heaven to the Danes.
According to Danish historians, the flag supposedly fell from the sky in June 15th of 1219. It was one this day that that the then ruling King of the territory battled and defeated Estonia. The very first recorded use of this flag was in the early 14th century.
Also in Denmark, the use of a swallow-tailed flag, also called the "split-flag," became standard practice. Today the use of this flag is really restricted to those considered royal, and hoisted on flag poles during official occasions.
Back in the day, Denmark once dominated Scandinavia and was united at one time or another with the other states, so it is likely that flag practices spread to them from Denmark. However, the actual construction of the Scandinavian Cross and the swallow-tailed forms is different in each country.
Danish flagpoles are colored mostly white, unlike the flagpoles installed in the United States. Flagpoles in the United States come in different finishes, including white. But consider this fact only as a side-note to this article. Throughout the Scandinavian territory, including the various dependencies, flags have had substantial meaning. Even in Greenland, regardless of the weather conditions, flags are hoisted to Scandinavian flagpoles.
The home rule movement of the Faroe Islands began in the 1900's, although the local parliament had already been restored in 1852. In the 1919 some Faroese students in Denmark designed the present flag, which was inspired by the flag-design of Iceland. The cross form and three express solidarity with the rest of Scandinavia. By the year 1931, the flag was considered semi-official, and in 1940 it in fact became official for use at sea. Some eight years later it was made official for both sea and land, as well.
I enjoy the display of Scandinavian flags from Scandinavian flag poles, and other poles installed in all parts of the world. The beautiful and renowned capital city of this country is Copenhagen, which is another interesting Danish fact!
Author's website offers a great selection of fiberglass flag poles and flags.