Horses Throughout History
Horses are large herbivorous mammals belonging to the Equidae family. They are recognized for their muscular bodies, hooves, long necks with manes, and tails covered in hair. These animals are known for their speed that can reach up to 71 kilometers per hour. They are very strong that they can carry 300 pounds on their back and pull objects three times their own weight.
Because of their speed and strength, horses have been domesticated by humans and used in various aspects of humanity throughout history, such transportation, agriculture, and warfare.
Horses are also featured in many culture around the world, appearing in mythology and literature with various symbolic meanings. Some of the most well-known mythical horses include Pegasus and the unicorn. Pegasus is typically describe as a white horse with wings, while a unicorn is a horse with a single horn located on its forehead.
Horses are also depicted on flags, symbolizing the significance of what they represent. In this article, I will show you flags that contain horses. We will start with Malta’s flag, as it is the only national flag in the world that displays a horse, then we will move on to other flags that feature these animals.
National Flag of Malta
The Maltese flag is comprised of two vertical bands, a white one on the left and a red one on the right. The white stripe symbolizes purity and peace, while the red represents courage and heroism.
In the upper left corner of the white band, there is a silver cross with a gold rim, bordered in red. This cross is known as the George Cross and was awarded to the Maltese people in recognition of their bravery during the Siege of Malta in World War II, reflecting the enduring spirit and sacrifices made by its people.
The cross portrays St. George, the patron saint of England, defeating a dragon. St. George is depicted as a knight on horseback slaying the mythical beast, symbolizing heroism and the triumph of good over evil. The cross is also inscribed with the phrase “For Gallantry,” a traditional term for courage, with the words placed in a circular pattern.
The flag of Malta was officially adopted on September 21, 1964, marking the day when Malta gained independence from British rule. The design symbolizes Malta’s enduring ties with Christianity and its history of valor in defending the nation.
Other Flags With Horse Designs
Sources
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- Description and Physical Characteristics of Horses – Horse Owners | MSD Veterinary Manual
- Horse – Characteristics, Features, Life Span, Reproduction and Uses
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- Horses in Ancient Greek Life | Department of Classics | University of Colorado Boulder
- Horse | Definition, Breeds, Pictures, Evolution, & Facts | Britannica