| In
the mid-19th century, Finnish merchant ships wanted to make
their vessels distinct from Russian vessels.
Russia’s enemies
sometimes attacked Finnish vessels, believing them to be Russian and
it was thought a distinctive ensign would curtail this.
Certain yacht
clubs were permitted to sail under a white flag with an upright blue
cross, with the relevant coat of arms displayed on the hoist.
Under
Russian occupation from 1899-1917, Finns keenly sought to use a flag
of their own, but it wasn’t until Finland gained independence in
1917 that a push for an official flag gained momentum.
A flag based on
Finland’s coat of arms was provisionally adopted and on the 29th of May
1918, the national flag was made official.
The Finnish flag is patterned on the
Swedish flag and consists of a blue cross
on a white background. The current flag design dates from the 1st of
January 1995.
The state flag of Finland displays Finland’s
coat of arms at the intersection of the cross. The current design
of the state flag dates from the 1st of June 1978.
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