Britain, or the United Kingdom, one of the world’s biggest empires, is one of the world’s leading financial, cultural, and commercial centers. So, it is natural for you to be curious about the British Empire flag! But do you know some of the unique things about it?
Wonder what made the country rule others and colonize them over a period? The origin of it, ofcourse, comes from the speculations concerning the Anglo-Saxon king Athelstan, who went into an allegiance with the Celtic Kingdoms neighboring the United Kingdom. This is where the concept of rulers came from!
No wonder the British Empire’s Flag is well known worldwide, and people’s feelings towards it vary! Ofcourse, there have been significantly dark times related to the Flag, such as slavery, oppression, and war.
In the blog, I will discuss how it is important for many people to know more about the British Flag and its impact on their lives.
Craziest Facts About The British Empire Flag THAT Nobody Knows!
The United Kingdom’s island countries are Scotland, Wales, and England! Wonder what made all these regions come together to form a government? A lot of these regions have been forced into developing allegiance. People would lie if they said that the English people did not like dominion.
So, to learn more about a flag that integrated power and oppression, read some of the things you might not know about it! Some of it is surprising, while some of it is quite shocking! Read along to learn some of the most interesting things about the British Empire and Flag.
What Is The Actual Name Of The British Flag?
Did you know that The Union Jack is not the actual name of the UK flag? However, the British Flag always comes to mind whenever The Union Jack is mentioned. Remember that it is not the real name of the Flag; instead, it was a term used centuries ago!
The term was used to denote the British Flag, to decorate ships, and, at times, to mark the ships at sea. It was mostly used by the people on the land who used to highlight the vessel when sighted with the term “The Union, Jack”!
Clearly, the flag evolved along with human evolution! It was in the year 1902 that the UK government decided officially to announce the British Flag to be widely known as the Union Jack.
Why Is The British Flag Called The Union Jack?
One of the major reasons the British Flag is known as the Union Jack is that the Flag combines the crosses of England and Scotland. The Union of the two countries was addressed as the Union!
It was in the year 1801 that the nation of Ireland also joined the United Kingdom! The design of the Flag of the British Empire was further modified; hence, the coming together of the three nations created the concept of a Union between these nations.
The literal meaning, ofcourse, stands out when it comes to the Flag being seen and recognized across the sea in ships!
Who Designed The British Flag?
Wonder who designed one of the most popular flags in the world? King James I of Scotland originally designed the British Empire flag. He created the Flag after inheriting the English and the Scottish thrones in 1606.
The king was known for his eye for detail and creativity. He was an artist, so it was natural for him to create a flag recognized for the two countries, Scotland and England.
The purpose was also to spread the nation’s recognition value and power worldwide through the Flag.
Is The British Flag A Part of Three Other Flags?
Yes, another unique thing about the British Flag that you should have been aware of is that it is composed of three other flags. The three other flags are that of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. The Flag has different elements symbolizing the defined heraldic crosses.
For each nation, one patron saint is symbolized. The patron saint of Wales has a white cross. However, it is not visible against the white background of the Flag. Saint George represents England on the Flag, while the patron saint of Scotland is Saint Andrew.
Through a diagonal white cross, Saint Andrew is depicted across the Flag’s blue background. The patron saint of Northern Ireland is Saint Patrick, so he is represented with a diagonal red cross across the white background.
Do You Know The Color Blue Changed Over Time?
The color blue on the British Flag has changed considerably over time! The blue color has become so popular that it can be patented. However, blue has evolved, especially since it was different in the initial days.
Currently, the blue color, which is of deep navy shade, is referred to as Pantone 280. In previous days, the shade was used by the Royal Navy, especially in their Blue Squadron. The color is also seen in different navy squadrons.
23 Countries use the British Flag!
The major reason many countries around the world use the British Empire flag was due to their colonization. The Flag already represents Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England; however, there are additionally 23 countries that use the British Empire flag.
These countries are a part of the Commonwealth and former colonies that were oppressed by the British Crown at some time. Some small countries have changed their flag design to integrate originality.
It was with the agreement of Queen Elizabeth, a representative of the Crown, that the initiative of colonialism was started. Countries such as New Zealand and Australia have significantly impacted British colonization.
Hence, they can show proof of strong British heritage. Now, these countries have proudly used the British Flag as their Flag. However, in recent times, there might be some changes where these countries do away with the Union Jack!
Symbolism Of The British Flag!
The British Flag is symbolic, but for what? Is it a sign of diverse Britain or a source of pride for its colonization practices? When you look at the Union Jack, what do you think of the Empire?
How do people relate to what the British Empire stood for in the 19th century? Based on the nationally representative British public opinion poll conducted in the UK, 36% have voted for the perception of modern, diverse Britain!
63% have informed that people still associate the Flag as symbolic of a historical representation of the nation that tried to colonize many countries worldwide! Furthermore, the flag does remind people of Queen Elizabeth and her corgis!
Finishing Off…
Now that you know how significant the British Empire flag for the United Kingdom is, what do you think it stands for? Along with Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England, many other nations also use this Flag! Do you believe it is their responsibility, or is it just their heritage that they are proud of?
Further, what is your perspective on the powerful Empire of England and how their Flag has impacted the lives of millions?
Comment on your thoughts about the British Empire flag and its influence on other nations!
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