Key Objects
The Blue and White
Key Object for the Time Period 1900-2000
The twentieth century is symbolised by a flag, seized on 12 June 1913 by the skipper of a Danish naval vessel in Reykjavík Harbour.
By 1900 the Icelanders were demanding a flag of their own; ruled by Denmark, they had to fly the Danish flag. Many were in favour of a flag with a white cross (signifying the glaciers) on a blue ground (signifying the sky, the sea and the distant mountains). During the first two decades of the 20th century this flag was often flown with impunity. But the law stipulated that only the Danish flag could be flown on ships registered in the Danish realm, and so a conscientious sea captain seized the blue-and-white flag from a racing boat in Reykjavík Harbour. This met with fierce protests.
In 1915 the Icelanders were granted their own flag, but of different design: a red cross, signifying volcanic fire, had been inserted within the white cross.