Cross of Burgundy Flag
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Cross of Burgundy Flag was used by Spain from 1506-1785. The design is a red saltire resembling two crossed, roughly-pruned (knotted) branches, on a white field. In heraldic language, it may be blazoned Argent, a saltire ragulée gules.
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[edit] History
It represents the cross in which Saint Andrew was crucified. It was chosen by Philip I of Castile (Philip the Handsome) after his marriage to Joanna of Castile (Joanna the Mad), as it was the symbol of the house of his mother, Mary of Burgundy. Since Emperor Charles I of Spain, the different armies used the flag with the Cross of Burgundy over different fields. Nevertheless, the official field was still white. Eventually, in 1785 Charles III of Spain decided to change this flag due to the similarities with the English Cross of Saint George, which had brought some dissension in the Spanish navy.
It was re-taken by the Carlists, a traditionalistic reactionary movement who fought two succession wars against Isabella II of Spain.
Nowadays, the Cross of Burgundy is still a symbol of the Spanish monarchy, and it may be seen in the Spanish Air Force planes.
[edit] Flag of the New World
During the Spanish colonization of the Americas the Cross of Burgundy served as the flag of the Viceroyalties of the New World. It is now considered a Historical flag for the nations that evolved out of the Spanish Empire.
[edit] See also
- Flag of Spain
- Flag of Valdivia
- Flag of Florida
- Saint Patrick's Flag
- Saltire
- Heraldry
- Vexilology
- Burgundy
