The Oriflamme

The Oriflamme is a particular flag rather than a style or shape.

First mentioned in 1124, and first described in 1225. Consists of a gilded lance and a red silk gonfanon with green fringe or tassles. It was kept in the abbey of St-Denis, north of Paris and was destroyed in the French Revolution.

The Oriflamme is not the flag of the French Kings, but was raised by them in times of war. It also has dubious connections to Charlemagne.

Christ holding a red banner. 1100?

Charlemagne giving Roland a red gonfanon.

Oriflamme

from the French Heraldry and Related Topics pages.

The Treasures of Saint Denis, The Abbey of Saint-Deni and its Ancient Treasures

(Images of Medieval Art and Architecture) - by Sir W. Martin Conway, F.S.A.
Read 4th February 1915. Includes a description of the Oriflamme.

Oriflamme

from The Catholic Encyclopedia

The Oriflamme

from France: historical flags