Red and white are instantly recognisable as England's national colours. From the St George's Cross flag to the England football team's kit, these colours represent a nation and its people. But why red and white? What do these colours mean, and how did they become so intrinsically linked to English identity? This guide explores the rich symbolism and history behind England's distinctive colour palette.
Origins of England's Red and White
The Cross of Saint George
The red and white colour scheme originates primarily from the St George's Cross, which has represented England since the medieval period. The red cross on a white background was adopted as a military emblem during the Crusades, when English knights needed a distinctive symbol to identify themselves in battle.
In heraldic terms, the colours are described as "gules" (red) and "argent" (white/silver). These were not chosen arbitrarily—they have deep symbolic meaning:
- Red (Gules): Traditionally represents military fortitude, bravery, and martyrdom. For Saint George, it symbolises his willingness to die for his faith
- White (Argent): Represents purity, innocence, peace, and sincerity. The white background of the flag has been interpreted as representing peace and honesty
📜 Heraldic Tradition
In the medieval system of heraldry, red and white together were considered a powerful and prestigious combination. The contrast made flags and shields easily visible in battle, while the colours carried connotations of courage and honour.
Red: The Colour of Courage
Red is perhaps the more dominant of England's colours in popular imagination. Its associations include:
Military Significance
English and later British soldiers became known as "redcoats" due to their distinctive red military uniforms, worn from the 17th to 19th centuries. This tradition reinforced the association between red and English/British military prowess. The red coat became so iconic that it remains part of ceremonial dress for guards at royal palaces today.
The Red Rose of Lancaster
The red rose became a symbol of England following the Wars of the Roses (1455-1487). When the House of Lancaster (red rose) and House of York (white rose) united through the marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, their combined symbol—the Tudor Rose—featured red and white petals. The red rose particularly endured as an English symbol and is still used today, including by the England rugby team.
Modern Sporting Identity
England's football team plays in predominantly white shirts, but red features in away kits and is considered equally "English." Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and other major English clubs play in red, continuing the colour's sporting significance.
White: The Colour of Purity
White serves as the background colour of the England flag and the primary colour of many England sports teams. Its symbolism includes:
Heraldic Meaning
White (or silver/argent in heraldry) represents peace, sincerity, and purity. On the England flag, the white background creates a canvas upon which the bold red cross stands out, but it's equally symbolic—representing the nation's peaceful intentions and honest character.
The England Football Kit
England's football team has worn white since its first official match in 1872. The choice was practical—white was a common kit colour in the early days of football—but it has become deeply associated with England specifically. The white shirt with the Three Lions crest is one of football's most recognisable kits worldwide.
🔑 Colour Symbolism Summary
- Red: Courage, sacrifice, military strength, passion, martyrdom
- White: Purity, peace, sincerity, honesty, innocence
- Combined: The balance of warrior strength with peaceful intention
England's Colours in Sport
Football
The England national football team traditionally wears:
- Home kit: White shirt, navy blue shorts (though this has varied)
- Away kit: Typically red, though blue and other colours have featured
The white shirt became so iconic that "the white shirt of England" is a common phrase, and earning one's first cap in the white shirt remains the pinnacle for English footballers.
Rugby
England's rugby union team plays in:
- Home kit: All white with a red rose emblem
- Away kit: Red with white accents
The red rose on the white jersey perfectly encapsulates both English colours and the Lancaster rose tradition.
Cricket
England's cricket team has traditionally worn:
- Test cricket: "Whites" (all white kit)
- Limited overs: Blue became the dominant colour, though red and white elements feature
✅ Using England's Colours
When decorating for England events or selecting products, the authentic combination is red (often described as "England red" or a similar bright red) and white. Avoid navy or royal blue, which are more associated with the Union Jack and UK-wide symbolism.
Modern Usage and Protocol
Official Specifications
While there's no single official specification for England's red, it's generally depicted as a bright, slightly warm red—similar to what heraldry calls "gules." When purchasing England products, look for flags and merchandise that use a true red rather than maroon, burgundy, or orange-red variants.
Appropriate Uses
England's colours appear in various contexts:
- National celebrations: St George's Day, England sporting events
- Heritage events: English cultural celebrations in Australia
- Civic symbols: Many English cities and institutions use red and white in their emblems
- Personal expression: Clothing, accessories, and decorations showing English pride
Distinguishing from UK Colours
It's worth noting that England's red and white differ from the UK's colours. The Union Jack incorporates:
- Red (from England and Ireland's St Patrick's Cross)
- White (from England and Scotland)
- Blue (from Scotland)
When specifically celebrating English identity (rather than British), stick to red and white only, using the St George's Cross rather than the Union Jack.
Conclusion
England's red and white colours carry centuries of meaning—from the courage of Saint George and the medieval knights who bore his cross, to the red roses of Lancaster and the white kits of modern sporting legends. These colours represent a complex tapestry of history, tradition, and national pride.
When you display the St George's Cross, wear an England shirt, or decorate your space in red and white, you're participating in a tradition that stretches back over 700 years. Understanding the symbolism adds depth to these everyday acts of national identity, connecting you to generations of English people who have rallied around these same colours.