The origins of the Cross of Victory date back to 908, when it was commissioned by King Alfonso III the Great. Since then, it has become a symbol of triumph and protection, inseparable from the historical memory of Asturias and transmitted to this day through its flag.
Regulation of the flag of Asturias
Law 4/1990, of December 19, on the Flag of the Principality of Asturias:
Article 1.
1. The Flag of the Principality of Asturias is rectangular, with the Cross of Victory in yellow on a blue background.
2. From the right and left arms of the Cross will hang the capital letters alpha and the lowercase omega.
Article 2.
The Victory Cross and the blue background of the Flag shall be identical to those established for the Coat of Arms of the Principality of Asturias in Law 2/1984 of the Principality, of April 27.
Article 3.
1. The Flag of the Principality of Asturias will have a length equal to three halves of its width.
2. The Victory Cross shall have a height of two-thirds of the width of the Flag.
3. The axis of the Cross will be placed at a distance from the sheath of half the width of the Flag.
4. The Flag of the Principality of Asturias, in its formal or most respectful form, shall be made of silk taffeta, with the Cross of Victory in gold, adorned with precious stones of its natural color, and the letters alpha and omega, also in gold. In other cases, it shall be made of strong wool or synthetic fiber fabric, with the Cross printed or superimposed.
Regulatory measures for the flag are also established, although flags of different sizes may be used. for use other than its placement on a mast, in which case, the Cross will be placed in the center of the flag.
Colours
· Blue (Pantone 829)
· Yellow (Pantone 109)
Flag of Asturias meaning
· Central element: Cross of Victory in yellow. According to tradition, Pelayo wore it at the Battle of Covadonga, and it was covered in gold and gems by King Alfonso III.
· Details: Greek letters Alpha (Α) and Omega (ω) hanging on the cross.
· Symbolism:
Blue → sky and serenity of Asturias.
Cross of Victory → triumph and historical protection.
Alpha and Omega → beginning and end, reference to divinity.
The letter Alpha is capitalized, representing the beginning.
The letter Omega is lowercase because that is how it appears in the oldest documents, such as the paintings of San Julián de los Prados.
Banner of the Princess of Asturias
· What is: Personal flag of the heir to the Spanish Crown.
Standard: Regulated by Royal Decree 979/2015 (modifies the Flag Regulations of 1977).
· Design:
> Shape: square.
> Color: blue (inspired by the flag of Asturias; officially lighter, but in practice a similar shade to the Asturian one is used).
> Shield: embroidered in the center and on both sides the shield of the Princess of Asturias.
> Material and size: same as the King's banner.
> Background: Practically identical to the one used by Felipe VI as heir (2001-2014), except for the color and the official shield.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
