The city of Madrid, the capital of Spain, has a flag with a unique animal symbol on it. This animal has been associated with the city for centuries and is recognized all over the world as a symbol of Madrid. So, what is this animal?
The Bear and the Strawberry Tree
The animal on the Madrid flag is a bear standing in front of a strawberry tree. The bear is depicted walking toward the left side of the flag while holding onto a tree branch. The strawberry tree is shown with red fruit on it.
The Origin of the Symbol
The bear and strawberry tree symbol has been associated with Madrid since the Middle Ages. The origin of this symbol can be traced back to an old legend about how Madrid was founded.
According to this legend, King Alfonso VI was hunting in the area where Madrid stands today. During his hunt, he became separated from his companions and got lost in the woods.
As he wandered around, he stumbled upon a clearing where he saw a bear drinking water from a stream. The bear was so fascinating to him that he decided to name the area after it – “Magerit,” which means “place of many streams” in Arabic.
Over time, Magerit evolved into Madrid, and the bear became an important symbol for the city. The strawberry tree was added later as another important feature of Madrid’s landscape.
The Symbol Today
Today, you can see images of bears and strawberry trees all over Madrid – from statues in public parks to souvenirs sold in shops. The city’s coat of arms also features this iconic symbol.
In addition to being an important part of Madrid’s history and culture, the bear and strawberry tree are also symbols that represent strength and resilience – qualities that are deeply ingrained in Madrileños (the people who live in Madrid).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the animal represented on the Madrid flag is a bear standing in front of a strawberry tree. This symbol has been associated with the city since its founding and has become an important part of its culture and identity. The bear and strawberry tree represent strength, resilience, and the rich history of Madrid.