User:Jeronimo/Sandbox



The national flag of the Netherlands has three equal horizontal bands coloured red (top), white and blue. The flag has his its origins in the late 16th century when it was used by the Dutch in their revolt against the Spanish, better known as the Eighty Years' War. The colours &mdash; with orange used instead of red &mdash; were taken from the coat of arms of William I of Orange, leader of the Dutch revolt. The orange band gradually became red, although this was not officially confirmed until 1937.

Formal use of the flag is strictly regulated; the specifics were last modified in 2003. The flag is only flown on national holidays, birthdays of members of the royal family, and on special occasions such as the visit of a foreign head of state. These regulations do not apply to private use of the flag, but citizens are advised and requested to follow these as well.

History
The modern Netherlands did form as a political union until the Eighty Years' War, and therefore there was no real Dutch flag before the late 15th century. After emperor Charles V acquired control over all the provinces of the Low Countries (including present day Belgium and Luxembourg) in the 16th century, the so-call Cross of Burgundy was sometimes used at sea. This flag consisted of a white field charged with two bundles of red laurel branches in the form of an X, with flames issuing from the intersection. This flag remained in use on Spanish vessels until the late 18th century.

Regulations
Regulations discern two types of flag days. On days with "uitgebreid vlaggen" (extensive flag use), all official building must fly the Dutch flag. On days with "beperkt vlaggen" (restricted flag use), only the main building of all departments (such as the buildings used by the Dutch parliament) must fly the flag.