The flag takes many different forms as an official embleme , a sign of union and rallying . Let ' s take a look at the Union Jack , the symbol of the United Kingdom . It represents the compilation of the flags of the countries that make up the United Kingdom : England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland . The flag was adopted in its curent form in 1801 , after the union of Great Britain and Ireland . But before discussing this flag of unity , let ' s look at the significence of the distinctif flags of each of these countries . For England , the origins of the flag date back to the Middle Ages . It reflectes the identity and unity of the kingdoms , and each contributed its own symbolic elements . The cross of St George was adopted in the 12th century , at the time of the Crusades . Saint George is the patron saint of England , said to have slin a dragon to save a princess . He therefore represents a strong symbol of England , combining the following qualities : Courage - Protection - Identity - Tradition and Pride . This national flag consists of a red cross on a white background . The flag of Scotland is also known as the Saltire or St Andrew ' s Cross ' According to legend , Saint Andrew was martyred by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross , which inspired the design of the flag . The white colour evokes the celestal protection granted to the Scottish people . The blue represents the sky and sea surrounding Scotland , expressing the loyalty and determination of the Scottish people . This emblem has become the symbol of the country The Welsh flag has a two-coloured horizontal section with a dragon in the middle . The colours used in the flag are red , green and white . It represents the pride , bravery and resiliance of the Welsh people . The representation of the dragon does not appear on the Union Flag because when this flag was created , Wales had already been united with England for several centuries , so this emblem was not included in the design of this flag . Ireland ' s emblem is the harp and its patron saint , Patrick , the evangeliser of Ireland . - Saint Patrick ' s flag , consisting of a diagonal red cross on a white background - The Red Hand of Ulster . An open red hand , the historic symbol of the Northern Irish conties of Ulster , on a yellow background , evoking the rich lands of Ulster . - The Ulster Banner with the British Royal Crown , symbolising the authority of the British monarchy over Northern Ireland . The red shield is also associated with the Ulster Banner , giving it a warlike aspect in memory of past conflicts . The Union Jack is the result of a merger of the flags of the above-mentioned nations , created in 1801 . The first version dates back to 1606 , when England united with Scotland . Elements of Northern Ireland were added at the same time . The colours of the flag of the United Kingdom have a profond and historical significence . Red represents courage and bravery , while white symbolises purity and innocence . The blue , also known as St Andrew ' s blue ' recall the cross of St Andrew , patron saint of Scotland . The flag of the United Kingdom is a powerful national symbol , representing the unity and diversity of the nations that make up the United Kingdom , as well as its historical and cultural heritage
