The Story of the Swiss Flag
A White Cross on Red Reading Time: 4 Min. Publication: January 27, 2026, Jonathan Schönholzer The Swiss flag is one of the most instantly recognizable national symbols in the world. Simple, bold, and unmistakable, its white cross set against a red background conveys ideas of neutrality, unity, and tradition. Unlike most national flags, Switzerland’s is square, not rectangular, a distinction it shares with only one other country. Behind this striking design lies a history shaped by medieval warfare, regional alliances, and the gradual formation of the Swiss Confederation. Medieval Roots and the Birth of a Symbol The origins of the Swiss flag can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, when the early Swiss Confederates fought to defend their independence against powerful neighbors. During battles in the 13th and 14th centuries, soldiers from the original cantons wore white crosses sewn onto their clothing as a fiel...