The Current National Flag of Spain referred to as ‘la rojigualda’ Was Officially Adopted On 5 October 1981. The design of the flag features three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width), and red with the national coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band.
The coat of arms on the Flag of Spain includes the royal seal framed by the Pillars of Hercules, which are the two promontories on either side of the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar. The design of the current Spain National Flag finds its origin to the naval ensign of 1785 under king Charles III of Spain.
It was chosen by Charles III himself among 12 different flags designed by Antonio Valdés y Bazán. The red and yellow color was selected as the colors for the Flag of Spain as these are seen as traditional Spanish colors.
Coat Of Arms
The coat of arms on the National Flag of Spain is a combination of six different coats of arms, representing the six kingdoms that make up Spain. The red lion represents the Kingdom of Leon and the red castle represents the Kingdom of Castile. The vertically-running red and yellow stripes represent the kingdom of Aragon and the Flower of the Lily (fleur-de-lis) represents the House of Bourbon.
The pomegranate flower at the bottom represents the kingdom of Granada, and the golden chain-link represents the kingdom of Navarre. The two Pillars of Hercules on the Spain National Flag stand for the Straits of Gibraltar and on top of the two pillars are two crowns. The royal crown symbolized the King of Spain.
The imperial crown symbolized the Holy Roman Emperor with King Charles serving in both capacities in the late 18th century. The inscription on the red banner wrapping the two pillars “Plus Ultra” translates to “more beyond”. It represented the then newly discovered American territories after the voyages of Christopher Columbus.
Origin Of The Flag
The Spanish flag has undergone various changes in its history. The red and yellow Spanish flag we know today was originally designed after the National Flag of Spain merchant and war marines during the reign of Carlos III (1785). The nation wanted a new flag to differentiate itself from the other kingdoms of Bourbon.
At the time of the design, red and yellow were chosen as the colors. However, the monarchy changed this design in 1931. At the time of the Spanish Republic, the Flag of Spain was altered to include a stripe of purple along with the red and yellow.
However, it wasn’t long until the purple was removed in 1936. Several changes were implemented to the Spain National Flag after this, primarily to update the Spanish coat of arms. The most recent version that is in use today was established in the Spanish Constitution in 1981.
Some Information About Flag:
In Which Year, The National Flag Was Adopted?
Ans: On 5 October 1981
What Are The Colours of The Flag?
Ans: Red And Yellow
What Do The Colours of The Flag Means?
Ans: The red and yellow color was selected as the colors for the Flag of Spain as these are seen as traditional Spanish colors.
Who Is The Designer of The Flag?
Ans: Antonio Valdés y Bazán