Burgundy Cross Flag, Saint Andrew's Cross: What Each One Represents

The banderas militares they are not just simple pieces of fabric; they are symbols loaded with history, culture, and tradition. In this article, we explore two of the most emblematic insignias in the history of Spain: the Burgundy Cross Flag and the Saint Andrew's Cross, analyzing its origin, symbolism, and relevance in the military context.

What is a Military Flag?

Military flags have accompanied armies throughout history as a representation of identity and unity; many have given their lives for them throughout history, and to this day they continue to be a part of our daily lives.

Functions of a military flag:

• Helps to distinguish one unit or one third from another on the battlefield.

• It symbolizes the values of unity such as loyalty, honor, and resilience.

• Act as a symbol of tradition and pride in official ceremonies.

The Flag of the Cross of Burgundy

History

The Burgundy Cross, also known as the Burgundy Cross, has its origins in the 15th century with the House of Burgundy. Its design represents two crossed branches with knots, evoking the cross on which Saint Andrew was martyred.

The Thirds they adopted this emblem as a symbol of unity and resistance, taking it to battlefields in Europe and America. As a highlight, it was the flag used during the glorious era of the Spanish Empire, when the sun never set on the Spanish Empire.

Symbolism

The Burgundy Cross represents:

• Loyalty and resilience: Core values of the Tercios and why they remained at the forefront of the empire for centuries.

• Military identity: It was the emblem of the armies during the Spanish Empire, waving in every corner of the empire as a symbol of unity.

Current Uses

Today, the Burgundy Cross remains a symbol present in many military units:

• It is used as the official flag of many units in military events and official ceremonies.

• It also waves in some places with history within the Spanish empire, as in this image we can see below of Puerto Rico.

The Saint Andrew's Cross

History

The Saint Andrew's Cross It has roots in Christian iconography, representing the cross on which Saint Andrew was martyred. Its "X" shape design has been adopted by various flags and emblems throughout history.

Symbolism

The Saint Andrew's Cross symbolizes:

• Divine protection: A call to faith and sacrifice, values deeply rooted in the spirit of the Spanish soldier for centuries.

• Martyrdom and resistance: A reflection of dedication and honor on the battlefield, the devotion with which our ancient soldiers of the tercios fought required a "divine devotion," and under this flag, they found that symbol.

Current Uses

The Saint Andrew's Cross is visible in:

• Regional flags, such as that of Scotland and other regions of Spanish influence.

• Military corps insignias at official events, just like the Burgundy cross, the use of the Saint Andrew's cross is widely spread within military units due to its significant weight in the history of Spain.

The Relationship between the Cross of Burgundy and the Spanish Tercios

The Burgundy Cross Flag became the main emblem of the Thirds, one of the most feared and respected military units in history.

Historical impact:

• It was waved in key battles, such as Pavia and Rocroi, and was also used in the standards, pennants, and flags of the Spanish Armada's vessels, waving far and wide across the seas.

• It represented the unity and discipline of the Tercios.

Legacy:
The Cross of Burgundy remains a symbol of military pride in Spain, evoking the rich history of the Spanish armies.

Conclusion

Military flags, such as the Aspa de Borgoña and the Cruz de San Andrés, are much more than badges; they are representations of history, values, and tradition. These flags have not only accompanied armies in the past, but they continue to be an emblem of pride and honor today.

Interested in more military history? Explore the SERMILITAR.store blog and uncover the secrets behind the most iconic symbols.