Flag of Denmark
The Flag of Denmark (known as the Dannebrog) is red with a white Scandinavian cross. It is the oldest national flag in the world that is used today.[1]
The flag is supposed to have fallen from the sky during a battle in 1219 in Estonia. The Danes were about to lose the battle when this sign from above gave the warriors new energy, and made them win. In reality the Dannebrog of 1219 was most likely a crusade banner - the war in 1219 was a crusade against the Estonians, who were not Christians.
The battle took place on the 15th of June, and every year the flag's birthday is celebrated on this day.[2]
In Denmark, the Dannebrog is a symbol of the people, and the flag is used for many private celebrations, such as birthdays, weddings and Christmas.
Flag Of Denmark Media
The Danish flag at the medal ceremony for the men's team pursuit at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing
Dannebrog falling from the sky during the Battle of Lindanise, 15 June 1219. Painted by Christian August Lorentzen in 1809. Original located at Statens Museum for Kunst, Denmark.
Information sign at Guinness World Records Copenhagen
Gelre Armorial (fol. 55v), the entry for the king of Denmark showing the white-on-red cross banner
Danish soldiers return to Copenhagen after the Battle of Fredericia (1849), a Danish victory against German insurgents in Holstein and Schleswig in the First Schleswig War (1894 painting by Otto Bache)
Cigarette card of 1890, depicting the royal standard of the Danish West Indies
The Rigets flag/Splitflag raised at the opening of the DSR rowing club
Flag of Ærø (Denmark)
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References
- ↑ Oldest continuously used national flag (in en). Guinness World Records. Retrieved 2026-05-25.
- ↑ 'The Danish flag, the Dannebrog (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark). Retrieved May 25, 2026.
