What flag is red with a gold bird?

The flag that is red with a gold bird is the flag of Albania. Albania is a country located in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. Its national flag features a red background with a black double-headed eagle in the center.

Quick Answer

The flag that is red with a gold bird is the flag of Albania. The gold bird featured on the Albanian flag is a double-headed eagle.

More Details on the Albanian Flag

Here are some more details on the flag of Albania:

• The background color of the flag is red.
• In the center of the flag is a black double-headed eagle.
• The heads of the eagle are gold in color.
• The double-headed eagle is holding a wreath of oak leaves.
• The eagle’s wings are displayed open.
• The black double-headed eagle is a symbol of Skanderbeg, a 15th century national hero of Albania who fought against the Ottoman Empire.

The current version of the Albanian flag was adopted in 1992 after the fall of communist rule. However, variations of the red flag with the black double-headed eagle have been used by Albanians for centuries to represent their national identity.

History of the Albanian Flag

The double-headed eagle symbol has a long history in Albania and is thought to date back to the Medieval period. It became a popular symbol of resistance and nationalism during the Ottoman occupation of Albania which lasted from the 15th century until 1912.

When Albania gained its independence in 1912, the double-headed eagle was featured on the new national flag. This first official Albanian flag was red with a black double-headed eagle in the center. This flag only lasted until 1914 when Albania became a province under Prince William of Wied.

From 1914-1920, Albania did not have an independent flag. When Albania declared its independence again in 1920, a red flag with the black double-headed eagle was restored. This version remained in use until communist rule after World War II.

Under communist rule from 1944-1992, Albania had a new red flag with a golden outline of the country and a star representing communism. After the fall of communism in the early 1990s, Albania brought back the traditional red flag with the black double-headed eagle, which continues to be the national flag today.

Meaning of the Symbolism

The different elements of the Albanian flag carry symbolic meaning related to Albanian culture and history:

• Red background – represents the bravery and strength of the Albanian people.
• Black double-headed eagle – represents national hero Skanderbeg, who led the resistance against the Ottoman Empire. The double heads represent unity between ethnic groups and religious faiths in Albania.
• Gold color of eagle’s heads – represents the natural resources and wealth of Albania.
• Wreath of oak leaves – represents perseverance, honor, and victory.

Use of the Albanian Flag

The Albanian flag is proudly displayed by Albanians around the world as a symbol of their heritage and national identity. Within Albania, the flag can be seen flying above government buildings, schools, monuments, and homes. Albanians also celebrate Flag Day on November 28th each year, honoring the first time their flag was raised after gaining independence in 1912.

The Albanian diaspora has brought the flag to many other countries where migrant communities reside. For example, the flag is commonly seen at Albanian cultural events, restaurants, religious institutions, and businesses operated by Albanians abroad.

Wherever it is displayed, the bold red and symbolic black eagle make the Albanian flag easily recognizable. It remains a powerful representation of national pride for Albanians worldwide.

Interesting Facts about the Albanian Flag

• The diameter of the black double-headed eagle on the flag is 1/7th the height of the flag.
• Using a double-headed eagle for Albania reflects its majority Muslim population, since it is also a symbol used in Islamic cultures historically.
• From the 15th to 18th centuries, Albanians often carried flags into battle that were completely red or had only the black double-headed eagle.
• Some activists have proposed adding a blue border to the Albanian flag to represent the ethnic Greek minority population.
• Albania has a naval ensign that is different from the national flag, using a darker blue background instead of red.

Conclusion

The distinctive red Albanian flag bearing the ancient black double-headed eagle represents centuries of tumultuous history during which Albanians maintained their ethnic identity and pride. The gold color signifies the promise of a new era of independence and democracy for Albanians to determine their own future while respecting their rich heritage.