The flag
The Angle-Saxish flag (Se angelsaxische Vane) consists of a yellow field with a carmine red Scandinavian cross that extends to the edges of the flag.
The design is based on the colours of the banner—purple and gold—which was hung over the tomb of St Oswald, as recounted by the Venerable Bede. It is the first recorded banner in English history. St Oswald was the 7th century Christian king of Northumbria, who “brought under his dominion all the nations and provinces of Britain”. The Scandinavian cross evokes the 11th century North Sea Empire and pan-Germanic influence.
The coat of arms
The coat of arms is blazoned: Gules, a wyvern rampant Or.
The design features the dragon of Wessex (se westsaxische Drake), which was flown as a banner at the Battle of Hastings, seen below depicted in the Bayeux tapestry.
The motto Post tenebras lux means “Light after darkness”. This was also the motto of the city state of Geneva during the life of John Calvin and was particularly associated with the Protestant Reformation. It may have been inspired by the Latin Vulgate rendering of Job 17.12: “Noctem verterunt in diem et rursum post tenebras spero lucem.” (“They have turned night into day, and after darkness I hope for light again.”)
The church emblem
The emblem of the Angle-Saxish Church (Angelsaxische Chyrçhe) is an allusion to the burning bush. This symbol was first incorporated into a seal by Huguenot presbyters in 1583 and has since featured in the emblems of numerous Reformed churches. Also included are the Keys of Heaven, the crosier signifying pastoral jurisdiction, and the doctor’s cap signifying the Reformation. The motto Deus lo vult means “God wills it”.
The national anthem
The national anthem, ”The Battle Psalm” (“Se Kampsalm”, or “Le Psaume des Batailles” in French), is Claude Goudimel’s arrangement of Psalm 68, originally set to verse by Clément Marot and Theodore Beza, with words in German. It is so named because it was adopted as an anthem by French Protestants, known as Huguenots, at the time of their persecution by the Romish Church.
Lyrics
Erhebet Er sich, unser Gott,
seht, wie verstummt der Frechen Spott,
wie Seine Feinde fliehen!
Sein furchtbar majestät’scher Blick
schreckt, die Ihn hassen, weit zurück,
zerstäubt all ihr Bemühen.
Wie Rauch verwehet, so verweh
der Schwarm, daß keiner feste steh!
Wer sich nicht will besinnen,
sich fort in Sünd und Lastern wälzt,
muß, wie das Wachs beim Feuer schmelzt,
vor Gottes Blick zerrinnen.
God shall arise and by his might
put all his enemies to flight;
his triumph will be glorious.
When those who hate him, scattered, flee
before his power and majesty,
our God will be victorious.
For just as wind blows smoke away,
he will disperse the proud array
of those who evil cherish.
Like wax that melts before the fire,
they will be vanquished by God’s ire;
the wicked all will perish.
Earldoms and duchies
