The Kroaz Du (Black Cross)

The Kroaz Du (Black Cross) is a so-called historical flag used in Brittany.

There is any historical proof of its design. The historical evidences show only a black cross with ermine spots, the Breton ducal device, in each quarter.

The origin of the "Kroaz Du" remains controversial. One theory is that banners with crosses were first used by Crusaders from about 1188. However, very few Breton barons joined the Crusades, so it is more probable that the earliest "Kroaz Du" was given to Peter I, Duke of Brittany by Pope Gregory IX in 1236 or 1237.

.A similar banner was used by Breton and French Knights at the Combat of the Thirty in 1351, during the Breton civil war.

The "Kroaz Du" later saw use by Breton sailors and soldiers, with ermine spots in each quarter.

This flag is now used mostly by right-wing nationalists (Adsav), and has been largely replaced by the Gwenn ha du. The latter is used by moderate nationalists and the general public, including the regional administration.

imilarity with other flags

The Breton flag is an exact negative of the flag of Cornwall, sometimes known as Saint Piran's Flag. The connections between Cornwall and Brittany are well documented, but the historical links between the two flags, if any exist, is unknown.

It should not be confused with United Baltic Duchy flag, which is similar in appearance; however, the latter is a Nordic Cross rather than an equilateral cross.

External links

*"Bannieloù Breizh", the vexillological and heraldic Society of Brittany (in English) [http://banniel.geobreizh.com/www/banniel/en-drapeaux-gwennhadu.asp]
*http://www.nationalflaggen.de/flags-of-the-world/flags/fr-bz-du.html

References

*Les drapeaux bretons de 1188 à nos jours (English: The Breton flags, from 1188 until now) by Philippe Rault, published by Coop Breizh (in French), (1998) ISBN 2-84346-034-4
*Guide des drapeaux bretons et celtes (English: Guide of Breton and Celtic flags) by Divi Kervella and Mikael Bodlore-Penlaez, published by Yoran Embanner (in French), (2008) ISBN 978-2-916579-12-2