National Symbols of Iceland

National Symbols of Iceland

Flag of Iceland

Sourced from Britannica

The Icelandic national flag was designed by Matthías Þórðarson in 1913, and was officially adopted as the national flag in 1915. The design of the flag is called the Nordic Cross, and it helps connect Iceland to other countries in Scandinavia. Even the colors of the flag tell a story! The blue symbolizes the Atlantic Ocean that surrounds the island, demonstrating the strong connection that Iceland has with the sea. The white represents the glaciers found on the island, and the snowy mountain peaks, and all of the pristine ice features that you can find that shape much of the natural scenery in Iceland. The red cross symbolizes the flowing lava and the volcanoes that are found on the island. This truly brings together the idea that Iceland is the "Land of Fire and Ice". 

Sources: (Guide to Iceland, Britannica, Scandinavia Standard, and Government of Iceland)

The Icelandic Coat of Arms

Sourced from Government of Iceland

The Icelandic Coat of Arms is the official emblem of the country. The center shield displays the flag design of Iceland, and it is surrounded by 4 guardian spirits, which are called landvaettir. Each of these guardians protect a specific region of the country, and symbolize distinct qualities. 

The Dragon, or Dreki, is the protective spirit of what is known as the Eastfjords. This area of the island is shaped by volcanoes, fjords, and rocky mountains. While you might think that dragons are harmful and fierce, this dragon is viewed as powerful and protective. 

The Eagle, or Örn, watches over Northern Iceland. Eagles are known for their keen eyesight, and always staying alert, which is why it symbolizes protection and awareness. The people who live in the northern region tend to live in rugged fjords, some on towering cliffs, and the vast Highlands, which tend to be windy. To survive in these areas, you are demanded to be resilient and vigilant, which is what the Eagle is to represent. 

The Bull, or Griðungur, is the protective spirit of West Iceland. The Bull represents power, calmness, and resiliance. Bulls are steady and strong animals, and this reflects the communities of the west, where there are rugged fields of lava, steep coastal area cliffs, and winds coming off the Atlantic. 

The Giant, or Bergrisi guards the area of Southern Iceland. Bergrisi, meaning "mountain giant", is known for it's great stength and fierce nature, which is why it tends to symbolize the southern portion of the island. Those who live in the south live among volcanic peaks, beaches made of black sand, and have adapted to live along a landscape that was carved by glaciers and storms years before. 

All of these guardian spirits come from ancient legends, but their presence lives on greatly to this day, where you will find them on the Coat of Arms, official buildings, and official documents. 

Source: (Guide to Iceland and Government of Iceland ). 

Iceland's National Anthem: "Lofsöngur"

Source: Ian Berwick, YouTube

"Lofsöngur", which translates to Hymn in English, is the national anthem of Icleand. It is also known by the name of  "Ó Guð vors lands" ("O, God of Our Land"). The lyrics were written by a poet named Matthías Jochumsson, and the music was composed by Sveinbjörn Sveinbjörnsson in 1874. It was written to coincide with the celebrations in honor of it being 1 millennium since the first Norse people arrived onto the island.  However, it did not officially become the national anthem until 1944, when Iceland was then declared a republic. 

Sources: (Guide to Iceland and Government of Iceland).