History Talk Friesland

Did you know?........Friesland can refer to all of the following!        

       Friesland, a province of the Netherlands

Up to 1996, the province of Frysl\'e2n was officially called Friesland. The three white stripes stand for Oostergo, Westergo and Sevenwolden/Zevenwouden, the blue stripes for the Frisian rivers. A flag with seven waterlily leaves representing the seven Frisian "zeelanden" has been known since about the 11th century.

2.Friesland, a district in the German state of Lower Saxony

\pard

You find Friesland in Germany by the North Sea near Wesermarsch, Ammerland, Leer and Wittmund. It was in 1438 that the north of the now called Landkreis Friesland, the Lordship of Jever was founded which later became a part of Oldenburg.

Friesland is a coastal region at the south eastern corner of the German North Sea, next to the Netherlands and Denmark. Its German people speak Frisian, a language which is closely related to the English language.

Unofficial but widely used flags

North Friesland West Friesland East Friesland

The united Frisia or Inter Friesian flag with its Nordic cross like emblem and four water lilies, not officially accepted by the council was launched in 2006 by a fan group who supports a unit Frisian country.

3.Friesland, Columbia, Wisconsin, USA

A village in south central Wisconsin USA
\pard

Wisconsin is on the map, so to speak since about 13,000 years ago than back in the ice age. Its state flag was officially recognised in 1848 when Wisconsin became a state of its own.

4.Friesland, a Village in Michigan USA

Friesland, a village in Michigan, named after a province in the Netherland, currently populated by about 300 citizens, northeast of Columbia County was in 1844 settled by Welsh immigrants before the arrival of German and Dutch settler in 1893 and 1918. A village in Michigan settled by Frisian immigrants

To buy the Friesland Flag please click here

Greece Flag - History Talk IV
Erase in Greece History

Greek history is generally divided into the following eras:

Palaeolithic (circa 400000 - 13000 BP)
Mesolithic (circa 10000 - 7000 BCE)
Neolithic (circa 7000 - 3000 BCE)
Bronze Age(circa 3300 - 1150 BC)
Cycladic (circa 3300 - 2000 BCE)
Minoan (circa 2600 - 1200 BCE)
Helladic (circa 2800 - 1600 BCE)
Mycenaean or lATE hELLADIC (CIRCA 1600 - 1100 BCE)
Dark Ages (circa 1100 - 700 BCE)
Classical (480 - 323 BCE)
Hellenistic (323 - 30 BCE)

Each era had its own unique cultural characteristics, and the transition between them was often tumultuous. Greek culture is a major force behind most of what we know today. In government the Greeks practiced democracy. Greek culture like so many others in this world has had a long journey on its way into the present. It continues, mutates, evolves and is becoming more and more entrenched in other cultures worldwide.

Blue Cross over a white field, with an image of St.George slaying the dragon in the middle

1431 - 1619

1822 - 1970
1975 - 1978

Royal Hellenic
Air Force unitl 1973

To buy the Greece Flag please click here

Flag History Talk - The Checkered Flag

The checkered flag is used at the start and the finish of a race. As the winning driver passes the checkered flag first it is often associated with the win of the race. It also means for the following drivers to slow for safety reasons. There are no special regulations for the design of the checkered Flag but it is almost always designed in black and white squares or rectangles in that special pattern. Size and form varies and the flag can be displayed with or without a sponsor logo. There is not much available on the history of the checkered flag. Opinions are wide spread but not proven. There are photos available from the checkered flag being used to end a race dating back to the early 1900th in Long Island, New York and others from bicycle races in France.

To buy the Checkere Flag please click here

History Talk - Slovenia

Slovenias current national flag was adopted in 1991 following its independance from Jugoslavia. The original design however dates back to 1848. The Coat of arms of Republic of Slovenia bears the image of the highest peak of Mount Triglav, while the blue waves represent the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia's rivers.

Slovenia, is only a small country, just half the size of Switzerland but full of surprises with its natural habitats, beautiful wine regions, mountains and beaches. It has great Alps like the Julian, Karavanke, Kamnik and Dinaric Alps as well as almost unexplored underground habitats with a rich, diverse flora and fauna.

About half of its country is covered by well preserved forests with many birds' species like the Tawny Owl, the Long-eared Owl, and the Eagle Owl, hawks, the Short-toed Eagles and various others. To the indigenous group of horses belong the Karst Shepherd and the Lipizzan horse. Cave explorations have led to the discovery of a mountain-dwelling wildlife with many rare seen and endangered species.

Slovenia has a long history going back thousands of years. There is evidence of human habitation around 250,000 years ago. A flute was discovered above the Idrija valley, dating back from the Wurm glacial age when the area was inhabited by Neanderthals.

2010 is the year where Slovenia proudly celebrates an exceptional milestone, 430 year of its Lipica Stud Farm. The world-famous stud farm is one of the most outstanding as well as beautiful cultural and historical monuments in Slovenia. Another milestone is the 200th Anniversary of the Ljubljana Botanical Garden

History Talk - Uruguay

The national Flag of Uruguay, officially the Eastern Republic of the Uruguay, was first adopted in 1828. It had 17 stripes which were reduced to only nine stripes in 1830. Its ensign called "The Sun of May" is one of the national emblems of Argentina and Uruguay which can be traced back to the Argentinean May Revolution of 1810 or even earlier.

Football, soccer is the main sport played and watched in Uruguay which in 1924 sent its national team to the Olympics in France, Paris. The team won gold and a second one four years later in Amsterdam. Uruguay won two FIFA World Cups, including the first ever World Cup in 1930 as hosts and their second title in 1950. In 1980 Uruguay celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first world cup by hosting Mundialito, a tournament with former World Cup champions and won. Uruguay soccer has been very successful in winning international soccer tournaments and despite its very small population.

Uruguay may be a small country but it has impressive artistic and literary traditions. World famous painters, writers, actors and play writers have put Uruguay onto the world stage. Its traditional country and dance music has a wide range. Folklore, polkas, waltzes and its most famous tangos just to names a few.

Uruguay is also known as a classic Gaucho country where raising cattle's is big business. Huge areas of green pastures and rolling hills extend as far as the eye can see. Cows can graze all year long in the mild climate. Horseback riding is the only way to work cattle here with the well trained Criollo horses.

Gaucho Clothes is the term used to refer to the traditional clothing used by the gauchos who live in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. The gauchos are the cowboys of these South American countries. These clothing items are today worn not only by the gauchos but by anybody who lives in the countryside and even in the cities. The now famous poncho is used to protect from the cold winters. Gaucho clothes are now a fashion because of its association with the polo and horse environment. Polo players and fans have always been keen users of gaucho clothes.

Football, soccer is the main sport played and watched in Uruguay which in 1924 sent its national team to the Olympics in France, Paris. The team won gold and a second one four years later in Amsterdam. Uruguay won two FIFA World Cups, including the first ever World Cup in 1930 as hosts and their second title in 1950. In 1980 Uruguay celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first world cup by hosting Mundialito, a tournament with former World Cup champions and won. Uruguay soccer has been very successful in winning international soccer tournaments and despite its very small population.

Uruguay may be a small country but it has impressive artistic and literary traditions. World famous painters, writers, actors and play writers have put Uruguay onto the world stage. Its traditional country and dance music has a wide range. Folklore, polkas, waltzes and its most famous tangos just to names a few.

Uruguay is also known as a classic Gaucho country where raising cattle's is big business. Huge areas of green pastures and rolling hills extend as far as the eye can see. Cows can graze all year long in the mild climate. Horseback riding is the only way to work cattle here with the well trained Criollo horses.

Gaucho Clothes is the term used to refer to the traditional clothing used by the gauchos who live in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. The gauchos are the cowboys of these South American countries. These clothing items are today worn not only by the gauchos but by anybody who lives in the countryside and even in the cities. The now famous poncho is used to protect from the cold winters. Gaucho clothes are now a fashion because of its association with the polo and horse environment. Polo players and fans have always been keen users of gaucho clothes.

To buy the flag

History Talk - Portugal

The national Flag and Coat of arms of the Portuguese Republic were officially adopted in 1911, with its design changed over the years to the current form.

The name Portugal comes from the Roman Latin name "Portus Cale", meaning "Port of Cale". It goes back to the time of the independent kingdom of Portugal in 1139.

The Portuguese love their special kind of traditional music called "Fado", an emotional touching music which can be traced back to the early 1820s. The lyrics linked to Fado are difficult to translate but sought to tell a story of lives struggle and homesickness. These days Fado is performed in a more modern way with now more than one singer and accompanied by a string quartet or orchestra.

Fado, when performed in the City of Lisbon the audience is suppose to clap hands, in Coimbra however, people pay their compliments by coughing almost like clearing their throats. Fado might just be the oldest urban folk music in the world, representing the heart of the Portuguese soul, and it is only well performed when the audience is moved to tears.

Portuguese art was very restricted in the early years of nationality with only a few paintings in churches, convents and palaces to show for. The 15th century brought more artistic life to light with royal paintings and later also Gothic and Italian orientated works.

Nuno Gon\'e7alves was a 15th century Portuguese artist credited for the painting of the Saint Vincent Panels. The regional museum of Aveiro displays a portrait of Princess Joana, also one of Nuno Gon\'e7alves work.

Nuno Goncalves was a 15th century Portuguese artist credited for the painting of the Saint Vincent Panels. The regional museum of Aveiro displays a portrait of Princess Joana, also one of Nuno Goncalves work.

History Talk - Paraguay Flag

The Flag of the Republic of Paraguay, adopted in 1842 and simplified in 1991, is the only national flag to show a different emblem on either side of the flag. While the national coat of arms appear on the front side of the flag, the reverse shows the seal of treasury with the yellow lion and the words "Paz y Justicia" meaning Peace and Justice.

Paraguay has one of the oldest national flags with its colours inspired by the French national flag, meaning liberty and independence. The coat of arms was created to remember the 14th of May 1811, the day Paraguays independence from Spain was declared.

Paraguay got its name from the river that divides the eastern half of the nation from the western Chaco region. About 95% of Paraguay's population are a mix of Spanish and Amerindian, commonly known as Mestizo. Popular arts and crafts include embroidery, spider web like lace making, several kinds of ceramic and clay work as well as silver filigree jewelry. Paraguay is known for its melancholy harp and guitar music, polkas and bouncy galopas

South American Football Confederation
Formation 9 July 1916 - Type Sports organization
Headquarters Luque, Gran Asuncion, Paraguay
\pard

History Talk - Nigeria

Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, got its name from the River "Niger". Nigeria's national flag was officially adopted in 1960, representing peace, the countries forests and abundant natural wealth.

The Coat of Arms consists of a black shield with two white stripes resembling the letter Y. It represents Nigeria's two main rivers, the Benue River and the Niger River. The black shield stands for Nigeria's good earth, the two horses show dignity and the eagle represents strength. The green and white bands on the top of the shield represent the rich agricultural land of the inspiring country. The yellow flowers at the base are Costus Spectabilis, Nigeria's national flower. The country has three main environmental regions: savannah, tropical forests, and the coastal wetlands. The dry, open grasslands of the savannah is used for cereal farming and herding, while the wet tropical forests to the south are good for farming fruits and vegetables. The creeks, lagoons, and salt marshes only allow fishing and a salt trade.

Nigeria's culture is marked by its multiple ethnic groups with over 250 different languages and cultures. The country is famous for its English language literature, popular music and the Nigerian movie industry, also called "Nollywood" The music of Nigeria includes many different kinds of Folklore and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. The different styles of folk music are related to the various ethnic groups, each using their own techniques, instruments, and songs.

Udu, meaning vessel, is an African drum like musical instrument used by the Igbo people of Nigeria. It looks like a water jug with an additional hole and with its bass like sound was originally only played by women at special ceremonies.
Soccer is the national sport of Nigeria with its national team nicknamed the Super Eagles. Other popular sports are basketball, cricket, track and field, boxing, wrestling, archery, hunting, racing, swimming, boat regattas and acrobatic displays.

History Talk - Mexico

The Flag of the United Mexican States known as Mexico, with the coat of arms placed in the centre was adopted in1968, while the design itself has been used since 1821.
The coat of arms is derived from an Aztec legend that their gods told them to build a city where they spot an eagle and a serpent, which is now Mexico City.

Mexico, the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world with its highly developed cultures, with the Olmecs, Mayas, Toltecs, and Aztecs, existed long before the Spanish conquest. Mexico became a Spanish colony during 1519-21 which lasted nearly 300 years.

Known for its indigenous and Spanish folk art traditions, Mexico produces not only clay potteries but colourful embroidered cotton garments, outer garments, baskets and rugs not seen everywhere else. Its cuisine with tacos, enchiladas, mole sauce, atole, tamales, pozole and burritos is popular worldwide.

Traditional national sports in Mexico consist of a series of equestrian events as well as bullfighting, adopted from the Spanish tradition. Mexico has the largest venue for bullfighting in the world. The "Plaza de toros" in Mexico City seats 48,000 people.
The most popular sport in Mexico, is football (soccer), introduced to Mexico by Cornish miners in the nineteenth century. Baseball is also popular, especially in the Gulf of Mexico and the northern states. The Mexican professional league is named the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol.

Mexico is home to some of the world's oldest writing systems such as Mayan Script. Maya writing uses logograms complemented by a set of alphabetical or syllabic glyphs and characters, similar in function to modern Japanese writing.

To buy the Mexico Flag please click here

Soccer World Cup in South Africa - fly your flag

The history of the first World Cup Soccer Championship dates back to 1928. Jules Rimit, than president of FIFA created the concept of a World Cup being played between the Olympics. While the idea was generally well received, the timing between Olympics was not. However, Jules Rimit was able to organise the very first World Cup in 1930 without including any qualifying rounds. A total of 13 teams took part in the first Soccer World Cup, hosted in Uruguay. Participating teams were apart from the hosting nation Uruguay, France, Belgium, Yugoslavia, Romania, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Mexico, and the United States

Past Winners of the World Cup

Year
1930
1934
1938
1950
1954
1958
1962
1966
1970
1974
1978
1982
1986
1990
1994
1998
2002
2006

Host Country
Uruguay
Italy
France
Brazil
Switzerland
Sweden
Chile
England
Mexico
Germany
Argentina
Spain
Mexico
Italy
US
France
Japan/S. Korea
Germany

Winner
Uruguay
Italy
Italy
Uruguay
Germany
Brazil
Brazil
England
Brazil
Germany
Argentina
Italy
Argentina
Germany
Brazil
France
Brazil
Italy

Score
Uruguay 4-2 Argentina, Italy 2-1 Czechoslovakia
Italy 4-2 Hungary, Uruguay 2-1 Brazil
Germany 3-2 Hungary, Brazil 5-2 Sweden
Brazil 3-1 Czechoslovakia, England 4-2 Germany
Brazil 4-1 Italy, Germany 2-1 Holland
Argentina 3-1 Holland, Italy 3-1 Germany
Argentina 3-2 Germany, Germany 1-0 Argentina
Brazil 3-2 Italy, France 3-0 Brazil
Brazil 2-0 Germany, Italy 1-1(5:3) France

To buy the Socceros Flag please click here