Norway Flag And Its History

By Adam Smith


People first settled in Norway around 10 000 years ago. They first survived by hunting and fishing, but gradually began to farm the land and to keep livestock. The first farms were created around 500 BC. This period is known as the Bronze Age since bronze was the metal used to create weapons, jewelry, and tools.

Within the 16th century up until 1841, the flag of Denmark has been used by Norway as its national flag. Such use represents the union of both countries. However, in 1814, Norway tried to obtain independence by adopting the Danish flag and incorporating the Norwegian lion at the upper square of the flag.

This flag was used only until 1821. It is because during the year 1821, Fredrik Meltzer, a Storting parliament member, was finally able to design a distinctive flag for Norway. Up until the present, this flag has been used by the country.

The official flag of Norway which was designed by Fredrik Meltzer is composed of three colors. These colors include bright red, dark blue and white. The colors were influenced by French Tricolore which is known as a sign of liberty. The flags of the United States and the United Kingdom are also among the major influences of the design of the Norwegian flag.

The colors of the Norwegian flag are believed to have been influenced by the flags of France, the United States and Britain and are considered the colors of liberty and independence. The cross is common to most Scandinavian flags and represents Norway's link to the other Scandinavian countries.

The Norwegian national flag is red, with a navy blue cross, off-center slightly toward the hoist side. The blue cross, which stretches from top to bottom and left to right across the flag, is outlined with a white border.These colors may represent freedom, drawing from the flags of France, the Netherlands, the USA, and the UK. The red and blue also reflect the shared history with Denmark and Sweden.




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