What is the Oldest Flag in the World?
The oldest continuously used national flag in the world is the Danish flag, also known as the Dannebrog.
First acknowledged in 1219 at the Battle of Lyndanisse, the Dannebrog is nearly 800 years old. This makes it the oldest continuously used national flag by an independent nation. While some flags may predate it in design or have earlier instances of use, the Dannebrog holds the unique distinction of consistent and unbroken use across centuries. Sources like Guinness World Records confirm this historical claim. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/oldest-continuously-used-national-flag.html
Several sources highlight the Dannebrog's age and significance:
- VisitDenmark: Confirms its first acknowledgement in 1219 and its status as the world's oldest state flag still in use. https://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/highlights/history-and-culture/fun-facts
- Times of India: Names the Dannebrog as the oldest continuously used national flag. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/10-oldest-flags-in-the-world/photostory/108541179.cms
- Wikipedia: States the Dannebrog, attested in 1478, is the oldest national flag still in use. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag
It's important to note that claims of even older flags exist, for example, the Scottish Saltire, originating around 832 AD. However, the continuous, uninterrupted use by an independent nation sets the Dannebrog apart.
While other flags might boast older origins, the consistent usage of the Dannebrog makes it uniquely significant in vexillology (the study of flags).
