If you’ve ever been to Amsterdam, you’ve probably seen the iconic red/black flag with the three crosses on it. This is the flag of Amsterdam, and it stands for something completely different than most of the (not so local) guides try to tell you.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
The flag of Amsterdam is simple and based on the City of Amsterdam’s coat of arms. The Amsterdam coat of arms is a red shield with a black link and the three Saint Andrew’s Crosses, the Imperial Crown of Austria, two golden lions, and the motto of Amsterdam (Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig, meaning “Valiant, Steadfast, Compassionate”).
Fire, floods and the Black Death
When you visit Amsterdam, the guides try to give you the best time possible, and what is better than a scary story? But even though most guides will tell you otherwise, the three crosses do not stand for Fire, Floods, and the Black Death (which all hit Amsterdam in medieval times). On the contrary, the three crosses were already being used before the Black Plague hit Europe.
Triple X stands for sex
Amsterdam is a city filled with adult entertainment. From the legal prostitution to being able to ask a police officer to light your joint and that the police cannot search you.
