senyera

The senyera is a flag consisting of four red horizontal stripes on a gold or yellow field. It is the traditional symbol of Catalonia and is used as a regional emblem in territories that formed the historic Crown of Aragon, notably the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands. It also appears in various heraldic contexts within Catalan-speaking regions.

Origins and symbolism: The exact origins of the four red bars are uncertain. A popular legend links the design to Wilfred the Hairy, a medieval Catalan noble, who according to tradition marked his shield with four red lines after a victory. More prosaically, the senyera is understood as a medieval heraldic device that became associated with the House of Barcelona and, through dynastic connections, with the Crown of Aragon. The flag spread and was widely adopted in the region by the late Middle Ages, later becoming a symbol of regional identity.

Design and variants: The standard senyera features four red stripes evenly spaced on a gold field, usually in a 2:3 aspect ratio. There are variants used for official or ceremonial purposes, such as the Senyera Reial or Senyera Coronada, which place a coat of arms at the hoist. A modern political variant, the Estelada, adds a blue triangle with a white star to signal a desire for Catalan independence.

Usage: The senyera is the regional flag of Catalonia and is publicly flown on government buildings and during regional events. It is similarly employed as a symbol in the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands, reflecting the historical connections within the Crown of Aragon.