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Iceland's first national flag was a white cross on a deep blue background. It was first shown in parade in 1897. The modern flag dates from 1915, when a red cross was inserted into the white cross of the original flag. This cross represents Christianity.
When Iceland became a republic on June 17, 1944, the flag was altered by a change to a darker shade of blue. Blue and white had originally been chosen for several reasons. The first local flag of those colours, used only briefly, dated from 1809.
A brief history of the Icelandic flag by Birgir Thorlacius. Previously published in Icelandic in Fáni Íslands, skjaldarmerki, þjóðsöngur, heiðursmerki [The Flag, Coat of Arms, National Anthem and Official Honours of Iceland], published by the Prime Minister's Office, 1991.
Find out where the design of the Icelandic flag came from and what it means to Icelanders. Discover the meaning behind its symbolism. Read on.
The Flag Act states that the flag colours are “sky blue,” fire red” and “snow white.” To dispel any doubt concerning the colours, standards are now used as a reference, as stated in Announcement No. 32/2016 on the Icelandic Flag issued by the Prime Minister.
The flag of Iceland consists of 3 colors: white, blue and red. Blue and white are associated with the colors of the Order of the Icelandic Falcon, a state award given for special merit. The bird was depicted on the Icelandic royal flag. The red color reminds us of our common history with Denmark.
The flag of Iceland followed the example of the other Scandinavian countries and consists of a blue background bearing a red cross, which is embedded in the traditional white Scandinavian cross.
