Flags During the Years of Oppression 1899 - 1917

1. Lion flags

Period photographs:
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Original examples:
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The roots of the Finnish lion coat of arms go back to the late 16th century, during the reign of King John III. Under Swedish rule, it served as the coat of arms for the whole of Finland and appeared on military flags, particularly among units raised in Southwest Finland. In 1809, when Finland came under Russian rule as a Grand Duchy, the lion was retained as the official emblem of the territory, its use confirmed by Tsar Alexander I.

The symbolism of the lion began to connect with a distinct sense of national identity after the mid-19th century, although it had not yet acquired the meaning of political resistance or separatism. A notable event in Finnish vexillological tradition occurred in 1848, when during the so called Flora Day student festivities, the Student Union of Helsinki adopted a flag bearing the Finnish lion coat of arms on a white background. Although this was technically merely the flag of a student organization rather than a national ensign, it was the first time a Finnish flag was designed with explicit nationalist sentiment. The adoption of the flag was linked to the » Springtime of Nations » in Europe, when nationalist movements were sweeping the continent. The purpose of the lion was to celebrate a Finnish identity that stood apart from its historical rulers, Russia and Sweden. While the flag caused concern among university administrators and Finnish officials, who feared it might be interpreted as an act of separatism by the Russians, the national movement was not yet revolutionary, and the flag did not lead to immediate reprisals. During the flag’s debut on the Gumtäkt Field outside Helsinki, the future national anthem of Finland, Maamme (“Our Land”), was sung in public for the first time. The Flora Day of 1848 is considered to have been the awakening of Finnish nationalism.

During the Years of Oppression the Lion Flag gained further political meaning and became a symbol of resistance in Finland. As Russification policies sought to dismantle Finnish autonomy, the Russian authorities banned the use of the Lion Flag in the late 1890s. This prohibition only strengthened its power, the ban itself confirmed the lion as the true symbol of Finnish sovereignty. While simpler bicolour flags were used since they were less strictly regulated, the Lion Flag became the primary emblem of the Constitutionalist movement. For them, the lion did not just represent Finland, but the Finnish State and its Constitution. The imagery of the lion brandishing a Western straight sword and trampling an Eastern curved scimitar perfectly encapsulated their legalistic argument: that they were defending a liberal western legal tradition against Eastern autocracy and illegality.

A distinction often arose among Finnish-speaking activists: while the blue-and-white colours were embraced as the national colours of the Finnish people and culture, the Lion Flag was revered as the state flag. Thus, while the other red-and-yellow flags remained largely a Svecoman phenomenon, the Lion Flag found broad support across linguistic lines among those opposing Russian overreach. The most radical Constitutionalists engaged in active resistance, culminating in the assassination of Governor-General Bobrikov by Eugen Schauman in the summer of 1904. Following the assassination, the prohibited Lion Flags were defiantly raised on the flagpoles of the Senate, the Bank of Finland, and the State Archives. The following year, during the General Strike of 1905, the liberalized atmosphere allowed Lion Flags to be flown openly and widely throughout the capital and the country.

When the Imperial power collapsed in the February Revolution of 1917, the lion flag was flown in celebration. In Helsinki, on the 21st of March, it was raised on the flagpoles of the town hall and other public buildings to symbolise freedom and national self-determination. Helsingin Sanomat wrote on 22 March 1917:

» And when we went back to the city about an hour later, we noticed that the large crowds moving along the main streets were also adorned with flags. Small blue/white and red/yellow flags fluttered on people's shoulders, hands, hats, and lapels, and some had both red, red/yellow, and blue/white flags for the sake of neutrality. The 'Lion Flag', a yellow Finnish lion on a red background, was also in many hands or pinned to their chests. More and more people, with joyful faces, appeared on the streets. As we came along Aleksanteri street to the university corner, we saw that a considerable group of people had gathered there. Large lion flags fluttered on the roofs of the university and the Senate House. What would have been said to a prophet a couple of weeks ago if, stroking his long grey beard, he had predicted that on the 21st of March 1917, the Finnish lion flag would fly on the roof of the Senate? »

Thus, by the early 20th century, the lion flag was deeply entrenched in the Finnish popular consciousness as a national symbol. It was not only rooted in heraldic tradition, it also connected with early expressions of Finnish identity, and became increasingly associated with political resistance. Though many other designs emerged in the search for a national flag, the lion flag remained as perhaps the most prominent design.

2. Two-striped Flags

Period photographs:
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Original examples:
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The blue-and-white colours emerged in the latter half of the 19th century as the colours of Finnish nationalism. Unlike the red-and-yellow colours, which primarily represented the Finnish state, the blue-and-white were seen more as the national colours of the Finnish-speaking population. The Finnish nation had experienced a national awakening in the 19th century and were now willing to advance their linguistic and civic rights. Blue-and-white flags frequently appeared at various Finnish-language cultural events (such as song festivals) and the defenders of the colours emphasised their approval among the commoners, unlike the red-and-yellow which were alleged for being more elitist in nature.

Of all the blue and white flags, the two-part horizontal striped flag (called the Marstrand flag) was by far the most common. The flag had been designed by Topelius during the Great Flag Debate of the 1860s. Although it was originally created as an expression of loyalty to the Emperor - as its colours were derived from the flag of the Imperial Navy - by the end of the century the colours had become established as Finnish nationalist colours no longer associated with Russia. While the colours were primarily national in nature, they also carried a political dimension: in politics they were linked especially with the so-called Old Finns. The Old Finns represented the conservative wing of the Fennoman Finnish Party, which believed that the Russification measures should be met with passive resistance and compromise. Active resistance, they argued, would merely give the Russian nationalists, who were whispering in the ear of the Emperor, an excuse to strip Finland of the last remnants of its autonomy. The Old Finns were therefore also called the Compliance-men, and internal party disputes eventually led to the founding of the Young Finnish Party in 1905. The Young Finns supported active resistance and opted to support the red-and-yellow colours. Although the red-and-yellow colours appeared more strongly as the colours of resistance, the blue-and-white were also used for protest. During the General Strike of 1905, for example, Finns would tear the red stripe from Russian tricolours to turn them into Marstrand flags.

Horizontal flags were especially common in blue and white, although red-and-yellow versions also existed. Both colour sets could appear with or without the lion emblem, which might be placed either in the centre or in the canton. More unusual variations included flags with blue on top or diagonally divided designs.

Author Gustaf von Numers wrote in support of the blue and white flag on the 22th of October, 1895:

» So, blue and white in our wreaths, floral arrangements, emblems, and decorations, and where our colours are to appear as a flag, two horizontal panels of blue and white, with the Finnish coat of arms shield in the middle, if desired, surrounded by a golden thread. Away with the Spanish colours from Finland's pine; we have no right to possess that which is not ours. Those flaming tongues of fire, that fiery blaze, let them be in the sun-worshipping homeland; here, we have the frosty auroras against the chilly dark blue background. Blue and white! » ^[12]

3. Simple Cross Flags

Period photographs:
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Original examples:
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During the years of oppression, simple cross flags in red-and-yellow and blue-and-white were used. In the red-and-yellow flags, the cross was generally yellow with a red background, while in the blue-and-white flags, the colour arrangement varied: either a white cross on a blue background or a blue cross on a white background. However, red-and-yellow cross flags were clearly more common. One reason for this may have been that the Swedish-speaking population traditionally favoured red and yellow, and when arranged in a cross flag form, the flags emphasised Finland connection to its former ruler, Sweden, and the Nordic region in general.

Borgåbladet wrote in support of the red-and-yellow cross flag on the 13th of August, 1912:

» Among Swedish speakers, there is unanimous agreement on the significance of the cross, and naturally, they prefer a yellow cross on a red background. In fact, the use of a cross-shaped flag with a yellow cross on a red field has already become quite common, and for good reason. Such a flag has great meaning for us, symbolising many of the finest ideas that have taken root here. It reminds us that the first seeds of civilisation and culture were sown in these lands under the christian cross. It also testifies of our connection with the Nordic region, as flags in all Nordic countries have adopted the cross flag. In Sweden they sing: "Hail, our cross-banner in blue!", why should we not sing: "Hail, our cross-banner in red!" » ^[6]

At the 1912 Olympics, Finnish female athletes carried the blue-and-white flag of their own sports club, which led to a confrontation with Russian authorities. In connection with this, a writer using the pseudonym "Flagg-vän" advocated for the red-and-yellow cross flag as Finland’s flag in the Åbo Underrättelser newspaper. The writer clarified in a drawing that the flag’s dimensions should be 16:10, with the width of the cross being 2 units.

» Our colours are - and there can hardly be any disagreement about this - red and yellow. Our Finnish flag should therefore be red and yellow - and in fact, that it is. Wherever our national flag is raised high, it should shine in red and yellow, reminding us of our coat of arms' golden lion on a red field. But one thing is not clear, namely the question of how the flag should represent red and yellow. We see the most varied combinations, from flags with yellow on top and red below, to yellow-red striped flags, with or without the coat of arms in the corner. The combination that must be considered the only correct one is the flag with a yellow cross on a red field. Only the proportions vary, and they are often far from correct.

Here are a few reasons for choosing the yellow cross on a red field. Just as the yellow lion in the coat of arms stands on a red field, so too should a yellow cross stand on a red field in the flag. Sweden’s coat of arms is three golden crowns on a blue field - its flag a yellow cross on a blue field. That was our flag during the Swedish era, although we also had our heraldic flag at that time. Times have changed; the blue-and-yellow colours are no longer ours. Yet we should not abandon the yellow cross which once corresponded to the crowns, and now to the lion, but place it instead on a red field, the background colour of our country’s arms. “Our old yellow cross in a new combination!”

With such a flag, we also take our natural place as one of the Nordic cultural nations. Sweden - yellow cross on blue; Norway - blue cross on red; Denmark - white cross on red; Finland - yellow cross on red. A common flag form, used by no other country or nation, suits these four nations well, for spiritually they stand closer to one another than to anyone else! And one more thing: let us have the correct form for our flag! The illustration above shows the proper proportions (the numbers indicate the relative measurements), matching those used for the other Nordic cross flags.» ^[7]

While cross flags were more common in red and yellow, they did appear in blue and white as well, especially after the 1905 general strike. For instance, between 1902-1906 a series of postcards were printed in Stockholm by the Axel Eliasson publishing company, which were designed by portraitist Ragnhild Sellén, one of which included a portrayal of the Maiden of Finland carrying a flag with a blue cross on a white field. The image has remained a popular depiction of the maiden to this day. ^[17]

A reader wrote in the Uusi Suometar newspaper about the flag and the postcard the 31st of March, 1906:

» What is the current situation regarding the flag of Finland?

Is one now permitted to freely display Finland's colours? It would be splendid if we could reach a consensus on this matter as well. For my part, I would propose a blue cross on a white background as the flag of Finland. Thus, the peoples of the North would all have the cross flag flying in different colours. The right should be obtained for Finnish merchant vessels to use that beautiful blue-and-white cross flag, at least in conjuction the Russian civil ensign. I have seen postcards printed in Stockholm in which this design is presented as the Finnish flag. It would certainly be fitting to come to an agreement on this by the time of Snellman’s Day, when flags are hoisted once again. For there ought to be ready-woven flags available in various sizes and prices, so that both rich and poor might acquire the true, unanimously accepted as the national flag of the Finnish people. Perhaps others, too, will voice their thoughts on the matter now that one has made a start. The writer of these lines, at least, wishes to hear the thoughts and proposals of other citizens on this subject in the public sphere. » ^[16]

4. Double Cross Flags

Period photographs:
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Original examples:
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After the general strike of 1905, when Russification measures temporarily eased and the display of flags became more permissible, the so-called double-cross flags began to spread. These flags featured a narrower cross, in the same colour as the field, placed on top of the main cross. The most common variants were red-and-yellow double crosses on a red background and blue-and-white double crosses on a white background. Red-and-yellow double crosses on a yellow field also existed, though they were less common. A considerable number of double-cross flags survive in museum collections, and their mutual uniformity suggests that they were not made by individual seamstresses or local craftsmen. In many examples, the proportions and heraldic motifs are identical, pointing to industrial production. It is likely that these flags were manufactured in series abroad, possibly in Germany (see Rahikainen 1999 ^[14]). In other words, this particular flag design seems to have been produced by businesses for the purpose of selling it, unlike the other designs, which had more organic, independent origins.

Blue-and-white double cross flags were also known in contemporary writings as Tirkkonen’s flag, as they were sold and advertised by J. Tirkkonen’s trading company. These Tirkkonen flags provoked opposition among some supporters of the blue-and-white colours, who considered them artificial and unsuitable for the blue-and-white tradition. Topelius’s two-part Marstrand flag was the most common and popular of the blue-and-white flags. Pohjan Poika wrote on 7 May 1906:

» A new and unsuccessful invention is that which a certain trading company in southern Finland has made this spring, namely to have blue-and-white flags made with a cross. As long as the blue-and-white flag has been in use among us - at least for some 30 years - it has never been seen with a cross, but with plain, straight stripes: blue (heavier) at the bottom and white on top. Changing it now is nothing but a salesman's trick, clever perhaps, but still so glaringly offensive that no one should allow themselves to be deceived by it. It should also be said that declaring this invention as the "Flag of Finland" is the most blatant kind of trickery, which offends both decency and good taste.

But in all seriousness, the cross on our flag is utterly groundless and lacks historical justification, nor do most modern states use such flags. Away, then, with cross flags from the Finnish masthead. We have indeed had flagless oppression in these years; now we should not raise a symbol of suffering. We consider it very inappropriate that the city’s finance committee has hurried to acquire such a non-existent, imaginary flag without tradition - and, as we have already said - without historical justification. » ^[5]

At the Pekkala Manor in Ruovesi, on the other hand, it is known that a double cross flag with a yellow-background was flown. The manor belonged to the Aminoff family, and the well-known supporter of red-and-yellow colours, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, spent a great deal of time there. Kimmo Kiljunen suggests in his book Leijonasta siniristiin (2018) that this flag may have been the inspiration for Gallen-Kallela when he designed a flag proposal in 1918. ^[8]

5. Lion-and-Stripes Flags

Period photographs:
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Original examples:
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Striped flags, banners and pennants in red-and-yellow or blue-and-white were common as decorative elements since at least the 1870's. Since striped flags were seen more as festive ornaments than nationalist or separatist symbols, the authorities tended to tolerate them more readily, unlike, for example, the lion flag. While striped flags themselves were never proposed as the national flag of Finland, striped flags with the Finnish coat of arms in the canton were. These lion-and-stripes flags started appearing in the 1890's and became popular during the years of oppression.^[9] While the number of stripes varied, nine was a typical choice, which stood for the historical nine provinces of Finland. Striped flags seem to have been more common in red-and-yellow than in blue-and-white, based on examples in museums and period photographs.

Helsingfors Aftonblad wrote about the usage of one striped flag in 05.02.1895:

» On Tuesday, in honour of Johan Ludvig Runeberg's birthday, the flag of the Atlas Company’s office on Alexander-street was flown in Finland's "newly discovered" national colours of red and yellow. The flag is divided into four red and five yellow stripes, corresponding to the number of provinces in Finland. The upper corner closest to the flagpole features a red field with eight stars and the golden Finnish lion with its swords and sabres. The number of stars also signifies the number of regions in the country. The flag was designed according to a drawing by businessman Mauritz Hallberg. » ^[10]

A writer using the pseudonym "von S." expressed his support for the blue and white striped flag in Turun Sanomat, 7th of November 1908. He identifies himself as a Young Finn and wants to combine the lion coat of arms with the Finnish blue-and-white colours. Additionally, he emphasizes that the flag represents the Finnish nation rather than the state itself, a common distinction among Finnish constitutionalists.

» We, the members of the Young Finns-party, have generally set our goal to follow the golden middle path and be unifiers of all. It is appropriate for us to lead by example in this matter as well. To achieve a common national flag, I would suggest combining all the flags I have mentioned so that all parties come under one flag. Therefore, I propose a national flag featuring narrow blue and white stripes, with a red field in the upper corner containing the Finnish lion. I have had the opportunity to see such flags, and they look very striking and splendid.

Furthermore, this would resolve one of the most persistent disputes in our public discourse. To ensure its widespread adoption, let every Young Finn commit to obtaining such a flag, and to doing so without delay. On our national days of remembrance, let each of us proudly hoist our flag aloft, so that all may see it and declare: “There flies not the flag of a state, but of the Finnish nation”. As for “our colours” which we carry during public celebrations, I endorse the proposal once put forward in this very newspaper, i.e., the colours of the Finnish coat of arms. » ^[11]