The Frisian Flag

The Frisian flag is quite distinctive — perhaps even the word unusual can be used!

Jolke Brolsma passes along the following information about it:

The flag was first mentioned in the Goedroenlied from the 11th century. It was officially adopted in 1897 by the Frisian Staten, the provincial government. The 3 white bars represent the 3 main regions in Friesland: Oostergo, Westergo and Zevenwouden (see the Janssonius map of the Netherlands 1658). The 4 blue bars represent the river — or more generally, the waters — of Friesland. The 7 leaves of the water lily (pompeblędden in Frisian language) refer to the old 7 Frisian lands or tribes, between Schleswig-Holstein and Calais. It seems though that the flag is much older than the explanation! But never mind, it sounds good. Friesland also has an anthem. It is played at important sporting games and also at European or even world skating championships that are organized in Friesland, whenever there is a winner who comes from Friesland.