Flag of Friuli

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The Flag of Friuli is a historical flag of the Italian region of Friuli, which is no longer officially recognized. It shows a yellow eagle looking to the right, with wings spread, against a blue background.

[edit] History and meaning

The flag's origin goes back to the Patrie dal Friûl, the historical Friulian state that was independent from 1077 to 1420 under the control of the Patriarch of Aquileia. The official flag of this state was identical, apart from the colours: the eagle was golden, while the background was light blue. This flag was used in all the normal contests, and was painted on buildings and walls. The symbol of the flag comes from the name of Aquileia, which, following a popular legend, comes from an eagle (Latin: aquila) who showed the first citizens the place where the city should be founded. Today, many scholars claim that the name of Aquileia is derived from a Celtic toponym (Akylis), and therefore has nothing to do with eagles.

[edit] The flag today

Today, the flag can be seen in many places, especially on 3 April, a day which remembers the old Friulian state, although it isn't recognized officially and some consider it a nationalist or separatist symbol. The flag of the present day Italian region Friuli-Venezia Giulia is also based on the Flag of Friuli.

[edit] Other layouts

Occasionally, other layouts of the flag are used which retain the colours (blue and yellow), but omit the eagle.

There was also an alternative historical version, used by the Patriarch of Aquileia in wartime. The only difference was the background, which was red instead of blue.