Dannebrog is the national flag of Denmark, and as such one of the world’s oldest flags [1]. Allegedly even the Vikings used a red cloth, called Dannebrog.[2] Legend has it that the flag descended from heaven in 1219 during King Valdemar II of Denmark’s victorious battle against the Estonian at Lyndanisse. The first reliable proof of the existence of a Dannebrog originated in the late 14. century, when Valdemar IV of Denmark made use of a white cross on a red backcloth during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.[3] A Danish text mentions a flag called danabroka for the first time in the year 1478. 1854 the Dannebrog was appointed as Denmark’s national flag. The Dannebrog is being hoisted in Germany by the Danish minded South Schleswig population as well (alongside the flag with the two Schleswig lions). In Denmark there are more or less 17 designated flag days, dependant on the year’s official holidays . Noteworthy in the context „1920-2020“ is the 15th of June: It is the “Day of Reunification” (Danish: “Genforeningsdag”) 1920. In Denmark, hoisting the national flag is allowed at will, e.g. at birthdays, other family-related festive or mourning days. On common days the Dannebrog streamer is in use. It may be hoisted when owners are at home in their property. Hoisting other flags besides the Dannebrog requires a special police permit. A such permit can be granted, provided the Dannebrog is being hoisted simultaneously on another flagpole. The Danish flag must have at least the same size as the foreign flag.
[1] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flagge_Dänemarks, 26 September 18
[2] ibid.
[3] http://www.geschichte-s-h.de/danebrog/, 26 September 18
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