Spain .es

Meaning of the Flag

The national flag of Spain (Spanish: Bandera de España), as it is defined in the Constitution of 1978, consists of three horizontal lines: red, yellow and red, the yellow stripe being twice the height of each red stripe. Traditionally, the middle stripe color was called by the archaic term gualda (weld, a natural dye); hence the flag's nickname la Rojigualda (the red–weld). The Cross of Burgundy is also known as "The Vane of Burgundy" or La Cruz de San Andrés as it is derived from St. In order to represent the King, they used to have another one, the "Coronela", during the reign of Charles I (Charles V as Holy Roman Emperor) that was made of yellow silk (the imperial color) with the embroidered imperial shield. This resulted in a common national symbol: colors derived from the Aragonese flag, a Castilian coat of arms, and the whole being Spanish.

Meaning of Flag Colors

Red, Yellow

Flag History

1. 1492
   

   Cross of Burgundy: a red saltire on a white field, brought to the Hispanic Monarchy through the marriage of Joanna of Castile and Philip of Burgundy. Used by the Spanish Empire ashore and at sea for nearly three centuries.
2. 1701–1760
   

   Bourbon Spain under Philip V: white field charged with the royal coat of arms following the War of the Spanish Succession.
3. 1785–1873
   

   “Rojigualda” adopted by Carlos III in 1785 as a naval ensign — chosen for visibility at sea; the red-yellow-red stripes have remained Spain’s national colours ever since. Crowned royal arms appear on the yellow band.
4. 1931–1939
   

   Second Spanish Republic: red-yellow-purple tricolour — the murrey stripe recalls the medieval Crown of Castile. In use until the Republican defeat in the Civil War.
5. 1938–1945
   

   Francoist Spain: red-yellow-red bands restored, charged with the eagle of Saint John bearing the historical coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs.
6. 1945–1977
   

   Revised Francoist arms — the eagle’s wings opened wider and the supporters were updated. The flag of Spain through Franco’s rule.
7. 1977–1981
   

   Transition to democracy: the eagle was retained briefly but the medieval arms were updated under the new constitutional monarchy.
8. 1981–present
   

   Modern flag, established 19 December 1981. Constitutional coat of arms with pillars of Hercules, the motto “Plus Ultra,” and quarters representing Castile, León, Aragón, Navarre, and Granada.

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