The Swiss flag is the center of attention during the Paris Olympics. The shape of the flag is particular, adaptations are sometimes necessary.
11.08.2024, 11:5911.08.2024, 13:36
Maarit Hapuoja
So far, Switzerland has won eight medals at the Paris Olympics. Eight times, the Swiss flag has shone in the background during the medal ceremony. A special flag, since it is one of two that is square (it shares this distinctive sign with the Vatican).
The fact that the Swiss flag has this shape regularly creates difficulties at the international level. For example, a rectangular flag was sometimes hoisted in front of the UN headquarters in New York, until Switzerland intervened.
At international events like the Olympics, protocol dictates the appearance of flags. For example, Roger Federer’s appearance at the 2008 Beijing Opening Ceremony caused a stir because the flag was cut rectangularly.
The proof:
The Swiss flag does not always appear to be square, even at the Paris Olympics. For example, it flies rectangularly in front of the Eiffel Tower and was not square on the Swiss boat during the opening ceremony.
We can see it in this image
Image: KEYSTONE
Asked about this, Swiss Olympic confirmed that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) always uses a rectangular flag during the Games. This is in line with equal treatment between all countries, according to him. “We regularly draw the IOC’s attention to the correct dimensions of the Swiss flag, and the IOC then refers each time to equal treatment.”explains a spokesperson for Swiss Olympic.
In Switzerland, the term flag is used rather than ensign. The white cross is always centered in the middle. The dimensions of the cross and the red color are precisely defined. Thus, the arms of the white cross are each time one sixth longer than they are wide. The color of red is Pantone color 485C.
Pantone is a color system that was introduced in 1963 and is widely used. It consists of a wide selection of standardized colors that have a unique number and designation – such as the color 485C of the red of the Swiss flag.
The song of Christ
The Swiss flag as we know it has existed since 1840. Historians disagree about the reason for the red background color. According to one theory, it refers to the blood of Christ. Another theory states that the red comes from the Bernese flag of the time. In 1848, the red flag with a white cross was definitively enshrined in the Constitution as the emblem of the country.
The origin of the Swiss flag dates back to the 14th century. At the Battle of Laupen in 1339, soldiers wore a white cross sewn onto their chain mail to distinguish themselves from other actors on the battlefield. Later, the cross also appeared on the weapons and banners of Swiss soldiers.
(Translated and adapted by Chiara Lecca)
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games in pictures
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The Paris 2024 Olympic Games in pictures
Smoke resembling the flag of the French national team is seen above the Pont d’Austerlitz during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 26, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
source: getty images europe / lintao zhang
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