Double-Headed Eagle Flags Around the World

Author:
Errah Caunca
Updated:
Jul 11, 2024 1:32 PM EDT

This article discusses three national flags that features double-headed eagles.
Mario T., CC BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr

Countries With Dougle-Eagle Flags

There are currently only three countries that have flags with a double-headed eagle:

Serbia
Montenegro
Albania

But there are many other flags used by various institutions, departments, states, cities, and provinces that also showcase this symbol. There are also historical flags from the past that featured an eagle that has two heads.

The double-headed eagle is an iconographic symbol originating in the Bronze Age, especially in Mesopotamia. It carried different meanings depending on the context or story it represents. It is usually found carved in stones.

Today, it is a widespread symbol found everywhere in popular culture like books, coins, badges, banners, and many other items. It can signify power, authority, strength or dominance. It may also symbolize the unity of something, carry historical significance, or embody cultural heritage.

This article explains the meanings behind the flags of Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania, highlighting the significance of the two-headed eagle on each flag. It also looks at other flags that feature this emblem, expanding the discussion beyond national flags.

1. Albania

The Albanian national flag is comprised of a red field adorned with a black double-headed eagle in the center. The red color signifies bravery and valor, as well as the bloodshed of people who fought for independence. The eagle means sovereignty and represents the citizens of Albania.

In Albania, the double-headed eagle first appeared on seals. Later, when the Ottoman Empire conquered Albania, Albanians portrayed this design in red surfaces or background, and used it as a campaign symbol against the rule of their conquerors. Subsequently, in 1912, after gaining independence, this symbol was officially adopted as the national flag of the country.

2. Serbia

The flag of Serbia consists of three horizontal stripes of red, blue, and white arranged from top to bottom. The red stripe represents the blood shed for freedom and independence, as well as courage and bravery; the blue stripe symbolizes the sky and the hope for a better future; and the white one represents purity, peace, and honesty.

In the center of the emblem, towards the hoist side, there is the national coat of arms. The national coat of arms consists of a red shield topped with yellow crown. The presence of the crown pays homage to the country's historical monarchy while the red shield symbolize courage and sacrifice. Within the red shield, there is a white double-headed eagle and Serbian cross. The Serbian Cross is shield-shaped and features a white cross and four Cyrillic C's ( or S in English).

The cross represents the Christian heritage and spiritual values Serbian people while Cyrillic C's stands for Serbian motto and slogan, "Samo Sloga Serbina Spasava", which translates to “Only Unity Will Save The Serbs.”

The depiction of white double-headed eagle embodies the duality of power, representing both the spiritual and temporal realms. It is rooted from Byzantine ancestry. It serves as a testament to Serbia's historical ties with the Byzantine Empire and its influence on Serbian culture and history.

3. Montenegro

The flag of Montenegro consists of a red field with a golden border, and in the center is a golden coat of arms with a crowned two-headed eagle holding a golden orb and scepter. Infront of eagle is a shield adorned with image of lion.

The red field symbolizes courage, bravery, and the bloodshed for the independence and sovereignty of the country, while the golden elements (the border, crown, orbs, scepter) symbolize authority, power, and a historical link to monarchical traditions.

The lion refers to Orthodox Christianity, the dominant religion in Montenegro, as lions frequently referenced in the Bibles. Jesus is also referred to as the Lion of Judah. This animal is also associated with strength, courage, and nobility.

The prominent feature of the flag is a golden double-headed eagle. This symbol has deep roots in Montenegrin history, dating back to the medieval state of Zeta. It represents strength, unity, and connections between the church and the state.

Other Flags With Double-Headed Eagles

Flag of Chernihiv Oblast, an oblast (province) in Ukraine

Flag of Meerssen, a municipality in Netherlands

1849-1859 flag of Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, a constituent land of the Austrian Empire

Flag of Austrian Littoral, a crown land of the Austrian Empire

Sources

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.