The Republic of Austria

The Flag of Austria

The horizontal tricolour of red, white, and red is widely believed to be one of, if not the oldest national flag in us in the world. Duke Friedriech I the Warlike, designed a new coat of arms using red, white, and red in 1230 to show more independence from the Holy Roman Empire.

However, another legend has it that Duke Leopold V of Austria went to fight in the Crusades. After one particularly fierce battle, he was totally drenched in blood. Upon removing his belt, it left a white band on his clothing. He was so taken with the sight that he decided to use the colours and make it his personal banner.

However, whilst the red/white/red pattern is seen as being the "Austrian Colours," and has been used by both the Habsburg and Badenburg dynasties used them as the colours to represent their Austrian territories, they where not used as the national Flag of Austria for a very long time. The national flag of Austria was actually a black and gold flag, based on the house of Habsburg colours. This flag was in use in Austria until 1918.

However, after the First World War, and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the new Austrian Republic formally adopted the traditional red/white/red colours as the "new" and official national flag.

The State flag of Austria features the Austrian Eagle emblazoned in the centre of the flag. It is a black eagle, with broken chains attached to its legs. The broken chains are to symbolise Austria's liberation. The shield on the centre of the Eagle stands for Austria. In 1 claw, the Eagle is holding a hammer, standing for industry, and a sickle in the other, standing for agriculture. Yes, very Communist! On the Eagles head sits a crown, standing for the middle classes in Austria. 

The Austrian flag remains as one of the oldest in the world, and has since spawned many other flags as an inspiration.