2006-09-09 02:04:17 · 11 answers · asked by wilber1992 1 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Netherlands
The official city motto is Valor, Resolution, and Mercy. The three X's, St Andrew's crosses, are taken to represent these even though the X's are older than the motto. A popular tradition also links the X's to the three threats to the city: Water, Fire and Pestilence.
2006-09-09 02:14:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The coat of arms of Amsterdam is composed of three St Andrew's crosses, aligned vertically, but rotated 90 degrees for the flag
But it is funny that with their infamous Red Light District they have a XXX Flag.
2006-09-09 02:51:20 · answer #2 · answered by KansasDragon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From wikipedia:
"Nederlands: Vlag van Amsterdam. The official city motto is Valor, Resolution, and Mercy. The three X's, St Andrew's crosses, are taken to represent these even though the X's are older than the motto. A popular tradition also links the X's to the three threats to the city: Water, Fire and Pestilence."
2006-09-09 02:16:27 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bohemian was right. It refers to the Dutch tradition of greeting each newcomer with three kisses on the cheeks: right, left, right.
Ok, seriously then, historians think the three upside down St. Andrews' crosses refer to 3 disasters that hit Amsterdam: water, fire and the black death. Others think it goes back to the crest of the prominent Persijn family who established the Dam square in the centre of town. It's not entirely certain then, but I do know the kissing ritual has nothing to do with fire, water and the black death ;o)
2006-09-11 10:17:52 · answer #4 · answered by McAtterie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I asked several citizens on the street. I heard:
Amsterdam's Flag contains three X's to represent the three disasters of it's history; flood, fire, and the plague.
But I also heard it was for the three defining characteristics of the city's people; courage, honor, and tolerance.
I like both. The flag adorns my entrance. Tots zein!
2006-09-10 17:35:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Considering what goes on in Amsterdam, I can think of no better symbol. Not sure of the real reason...Sorry.
2006-09-09 02:10:43 · answer #6 · answered by johnnyonthespot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wish I knew the answer to this so i will watch this space, then next time I can answer it.
2006-09-09 02:06:54 · answer #7 · answered by Cj 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's certainly not the strength of the beer.
2006-09-09 02:26:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the symbol of that city.
2006-09-09 02:27:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No idea. but question.
2006-09-09 02:07:59 · answer #10 · answered by kenfitameen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋