Iceland Flag

The Iceland flag has a blue background with a red cross bordered in white. The cross is also off centered to the left. The flag of Iceland is based upon versions of Scandinavian flags like Denmark and Norway.

The flag’s colors symbolize different meanings to Iceland. The blue symbolizes the mountains, the white symbolizes the snow and ice, and the red symbolizes fire and lava. Blue and white are the country’s traditional colors.

The Icelandic flag was officially adopted on June 19, 1915, although the flag had been in existence since 1913 when the king of Denmark approved in principle its usage. The flag remained the same after Iceland was made a self governing state in 1918, and after it became independent in 1944. The Iceland national flag’s official design came from Matthias Thordarson.

An interesting fact to note is that Iceland considers the usage of its flag a privilege not a right. Therefore certain rules and guidelines have been put into place for its usage. Individuals must follow these guidelines, or else be subjected to fines or even imprisonment. No individual shall disrespect the Iceland flag either physically or verbally. Owners of flags must be sure that their flag is in excellent condition. The flag of Iceland must not be flown before 7 a.m. and preferably not after sunset. However, for outdoor assemblies, official gatherings, funerals, or memorials, the Iceland flag may be flown after sunset, but not after midnight. There are official flag days that government officials must follow and raise the flag all day with one exception. On Good Friday the flag is only raised to half mast all day. The other holidays are The birthday of the President of Iceland, New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter , The First Day of Summer, May 1, Pentecost, Sailors Day, June 17, December 1, and Christmas day.

There are a couple of official Icelandic flags. The first is the state flag of Iceland. This flag is exactly like its national counterpart, except the right side of the flag is cut out in the shape of a v. The next flag is the flag of the president. This flag contains the coat of arms in the center of the cross as well as the right side of the flag cut out in the shape of a v. The third flag is the customs flag. This flag contains a T shape in the upper left hand corner of the flag, as well as the right side of the flag cut out in the shape of a v. These Iceland flags are all subject to the rules and regulations regarding flags.