The history and evolution of the Spanish flag dates back to Muslim timeswho were the first to introduce the custom of using flags, as a sign of loyalty to kings. At first, the flag was considered a royal emblem, since it represented only the king or, in any case, the monarchy. However, with the Catholic Monarchs, flags began to be associated with territories, since they incorporated the same figures and colors as on their shields.
The evolution of the flag of Spain
The Catholic Monarchs and the House of Austria
The Catholic Monarchs began to use a banner that combined the arms of Aragon with those of Castile and León. The design of the banner was modified when Philip the Fair, husband of the king’s daughter, Juana la Loca, brought with him the Burgundy cross, a symbol inherited from the House of Habsburg.
As we see, the first flag that could be considered a precursor to the current one was used by the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century. This banner included the emblems of Castilla y León, as well as the coats of arms of Aragon and Navarre. However, the search for a naval standard The fact that he distinguished himself at sea led to the creation of a new flag.
The flag with the House of Bourbon
Later, Philippe V, first Bourbon on the throne, replaces the Burgundian cross with the coat of arms of his dynasty on white background. This new concept was very similar to that of the other kingdoms that the family ruled in Europe, which generated a lot of confusion, especially at sea.
Once on the throne Charles III, son and successor of Philip V, he commissioned the project of a new naval flag that would differentiate Spanish ships from those of other countries, to the Minister of the Navy, Antonio Valdés y Fernández Bazán. Through a competition, Valdés selected twelve models, of which King Carlos III chose two, one for civilian ships and another for military ships.the latter being the basis of the current flag. The adoption of the new flags was reflected in the royal decree of May 28, 1785.
During the War of Independence against Napoleon, the banner became increasingly used among military troops. Additionally, as many sailors fought on land, the use of the red flag became even more popular within the country.
In 1843, Isabel II established it as the official Spanish flag, Although it was modified during the War of the First Republic, the crown was removed from the Bourbon shield.
The flag of Spain in the 20th century
Until the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, The five-striped flag continued to be used. which Charles III decided to use on merchant ships. From 1927, its use on these ships was prohibited and a year later, under the Second Republic, the adoption of a new tricolor national flag was decreed. It was composed of “three horizontal bands of the same width, the red being the top one; the center one is yellow and the bottom one is dark purple” in honor of the commoners of Castile.
Apart from the color change, The kingdoms of Aragon, Granada and Navarre were initiated into the Bourbon shieldToday, the two pillars of Hercules have been incorporated with the motto “Plus Ultra” (beyond), and the crown has been replaced by a castle.
Franco’s flag today
After the 1936 coup d’état and the Spanish Civil War, The defeat of the Republic in the war meant the restoration of the traditional colors of the Spanish flag. and the crown at the top of the shield. In 1945 and 1977, the Franco dictatorship also incorporated the Eagle of San Juan in honor of the Catholic Monarchs, which Queen Isabel had used in her personal shield.
Unlike other nations, which modified their flag upon the establishment of democratic regimes, The current Spanish flag is exactly the same as that chosen by King Charles III as his war standard. two and a half centuries ago. The only modification to the shield, replacing Franco’s emblem with that of Spain, was not contemplated in the Spanish Magna Carta but in a later law.
Meaning of colors
The colors of the Spanish flag have different interpretations. Red is commonly associated with the blood shed by the nation’s heroes, as well as bravery and combat. Yellow symbolizes the wealth of the country, its lands and its radiant sun. Together, these colors represent the unity and common history of the peoples who make up Spain.
The flag of Spain is a symbol that has evolved over the centuries, reflecting the country’s rich history and cultural diversity. Its design and the meanings associated with its colors make it an emblem that unites the Spanish people, recalling both the moments of glory and the challenges overcome throughout its history.
Recommended Reading
The flag, the shield, the anthem
Military origin of the symbols of Spain
