The
Republic of Jamtland was an independent nation in the early Middle Ages. It was
operated as a peasant republic, giving it an affinity to the anarchic
structures of government that we see growing in parts of Spain and the Middle
East. It was eventually captured by the Norwegians and after that became
embroiled in centuries of warfare, between Norway and Sweden, over ownership of
the territory.
The
region has its own language of Jamtlanidc, which also helps set it apart from
its neighbours. In modern times a new Jamtland independence movement has sprung
up, which considers itself somewhat an act of political theater. However it is
easy to see this movement could very easily convert itself into an actual
movement for independence again, with so much change across the continent in
the aftermath of the EU’s collapse. It is highly likely that an affinity
between this republic and similar anarchist republics in the Iberian Peninsula
will exist as well. Therefore a fully independent Jamtland would be made out of
the Jamtland Province currently a part of Sweden.
Two
activists of the Jamtland movement created the flag of Jamtland in 1983. The
three colours represent the blue sky and province of Jamtland, the snowy
mountains and province of Harjedalen and the green woodland and province of
Ragunda.
The
seal is an old seal that Jamtland used in the Middle Ages, since its Norwegian
time. Although granted to it by the Norwegian crown it does not represent any
urge for renewed union with Norway. Although it is interesting that the current
coat of arms, which depicts a moose representing Jamtland torn apart by a dog
and a falcon representing the neighbouring nations, is replaced with this
Norwegian symbol.
The
flag has become very popular even among those who do not seek Jamtland
independence but are proud of its heritage.
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