Ah, the Union Flag! A symbol recognised worldwide, this iconic flag represents not just the United Kingdom but also a rich history filled with unity and heritage, with a few exciting twists along the way. Whether you call it the Union Jack or the Union Flag (more on that later!), there’s more to this flag than meets the eye.
So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and let’s get into the fascinating story behind our great nation’s Flag!
How the Union Flag was born
The Union Flag, as we know it today, combines three flags, each representing a distinct part of the UK. It all started in 1603 when James VI of Scotland ascended to the English throne as James I, uniting Scotland and England under one monarch. But while the crowns were united, the flags were not.
Here comes the first version of the Union Flag in 1606! This early flag combined the red cross of St. George, representing the English Patron Saint, with the white saltire of St. Andrew, representing the Scottish patron on a blue field. The initial thinking behind James I’s design was to create a recognisable flag that was an obvious combination of both kingdoms and easily recognisable worldwide.
Along Comes Ireland!
Fast forward to 1801, and the UK was expanding again, this time to include Ireland. The red saltire of St. Patrick was added to the mix to symbolise this union. This created the flag we all know and love today, with the three symbols (St. George, St. Andrew, and St. Patrick) overlaid on one another.
You might notice that Wales isn’t represented on the Union Flag. That’s because, controversially, when the first flag was designed, Wales was already united with England and considered part of the Kingdom of England.
But don’t worry, the Welsh dragon proudly flies on its flag, the Red Dragon or “Y Ddraig Goch.”
Union Flag or Union Jack? Potato, Potahto?
Let’s clear up one of the most common misconceptions: Is it the Union Flag or the Union Jack? Technically, it’s the Union Flag when flown on land.
The term “Union Jack” originally referred to the flag only when it was flown at sea on the jackstaff (a pole on the ship’s bow for the non-seafaring folk amongst us). However, it was only in 1902 when the UK government officially announced that the British flag would be widely known as the Union Jack.
So, whether you prefer Union Jack or Union Flag you’re in good company!
A Symbol of Unity (and a Bit of Controversy)
The Union Flag isn’t just a symbol of unity; it’s also a flag that has sparked its fair share of debate and controversy. For instance, some have called for adding a Welsh element to the flag to better represent all the nations of the UK. There have also been discussions about the flag’s future in the context of political changes within the UK, like Scottish independence movements.
But despite these debates, the Union Flag remains a powerful symbol of the UK’s history and identity. Whether flying proudly over government buildings, waved at sporting events, or embellished on t-shirts and mugs, the Union Flag inspires pride and conversation
The Union Flag Around the World
Did you know the Union Flag appears on the flags of an incredible 23 countries worldwide that use the British flag for official purposes.
Most of these countries are former colonies or part of the Commonwealth.
Many former British colonies feature the Union Jack in their updated flags; just look at smaller British territories and islands to see that.
Bigger countries like Australia and New Zealand have a strong British heritage and continue to fly the Union Jack as part of their flags.
The US state of Hawaii continues to feature the Union Jack in its state flag and plans to keep this the same.
