Flag of Valdivia
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The city flag of Valdivia, Chile is a red saltire (crux decussata, X-cross or St. Andrew's cross) on a white field. It is thought to have originated from the Spanish cross of Burgundy, as the city of Valdivia was an important stronghold of the Spanish Empire.[1]
Valdivia was a royalist stronghold during the Spanish-American War of Independence, so the symbol alludes to that loyalty.[2]
It is the same as the international maritime signal flag for the letter V and the meaning "I require assistance".
History
On July 20, 1552, five months after the founding of the city of Santa María la Blanca de Valdivia, the council submitted a representation to the king requesting that the nascent city of the New World be granted a title and a coat of arms. Finally, on March 18, 1554, by royal decree, the city of Valdivia was granted the title of "very noble and very loyal" and was granted a coat of arms and flag.[1][2]
The current flag is derived from the empire's flag.
References
- ^ a b "La bandera y el escudo de Valdivia: una historia inimaginable" [The flag and coat of arms of Valdivia: an unimaginable story]. Diario Futrono (in Spanish). 22 March 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ a b "Valdivia, ciudad leal al Rey: lucha contra los patriotas (Parte final)" [Valdivia, a city loyal to the King: the battle against the patriots (Final Part)]. Diario de Valdivia (in Spanish). 19 September 2020. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
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