The Flag of the United Kingdom or "Union Jack"

As we know, the United Kingdom comprises four different countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In the map below you can see their location and capitals.

Exercise: Print this file and label the map.

Maybe, you have wondered why the flag of the United Kingdom is made up of red, and white crosses on blue background.

The reason is that the "Union Jack" or "Union Flag", as it is also known, is made up of the design of three different flags: The St George's Cross of England, the St Andrew's Cross of Scotland, and the St Patrick's Cross of Northern Ireland.

But FOUR countries, THREE flags?

The flag of Wales is a green and white bicolour picturing a large, red dragon. The symbol of the dragon has been used in Wales for a long time, since the Romans invaded and occupied the country in the 1st century. Although Wales officially united with England in 1536, it still retains its ancient flag.

Finally,
St George is the national saint of England. He is believed to have been a Christian martyr. According to tradition, he killed a dragon to save a woman. This is the reason why he is frequently shown in pictures fighting the dragon. The emblem of the cross was adopted by Richard the Lion Heart (Ricardo Corazón de León) and was brought to England in the 12th century. St George's Day is celebrated on 23rd April.

St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. He was one of the twelve apostles. According to tradition his bones were brought to a town on the east coast of Scotland, later called St Andrews. The legend says that he was killed on a cross in the shape on an X in Greece. This is the cross on the Scottish flag. St Andrew's Day is celebrated on 30th November.

St Patrick is the national saint of Ireland. It is thought that he was not Irish, but probably Welsh. He travelled to Ireland in 432. He converted a lot of people to Christianity, and it is thought that he had great powers, including one which explains why there are no snakes in Ireland. Snakes are said to have drowned in the sea because St Patrick tricked all of them. St Patrick's Day is celebrated on 17th March.

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